(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.
[F1(2)Nothing in subsection (1) above shall prevent the prosecutor—
(a)asking the accused questions tending to show that he has been convicted of an offence other than that with which he is charged, where he is entitled to do so under section 141 of this Act; or
(b)leading evidence of previous convictions where it is competent to do so—
(i)as evidence in support of a substantive charge; or
(ii)under section 141ZA of this Act.]
(3). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
F1S. 160(2) substituted (31.3.1996 subject to transitional provisions and savings in the commencing S.I.) by 1995 c. 20, s. 24(3); S.I. 1996/517, arts. 3(2), 4-6, Sch. 2