(1)Previous convictions against the accused shall not be laid before the jury, nor shall reference be made thereto in presence of the jury before the verdict is returned.
(2)Nothing in this section shall prevent the prosecutor from laying before the jury evidence of previous convictions where, by the existing law, it is competent to lead evidence of such previous convictions as evidence in causa in support of the substantive charge, or where the accused shall lead evidence to prove previous good character.
(3)It shall not be necessary for the jury to return a verdict finding whether previous convictions against the accused have been proved or not.