§ 266 — When evidence of previous conviction allowed

266.—(1) Where —(a)

proceedings are taken against a person for having received goods knowing them to be stolen or for having in the person’s possession stolen property; and

(b)

evidence is given that the stolen property was found in the person’s possession,

then, if the person has been convicted of an offence involving fraud or dishonesty within the 5 years immediately preceding, evidence of that previous conviction may be given and may be taken into consideration when proving that the accused knew that the property in the accused’s possession was stolen.

(2) The accused must be given at least 7 days’ written notice that proof will be given of the previous conviction under subsection (1).

(3) For the purposes of subsection (1), the previous conviction of the accused need not be entered in the charge.

—(1) Where —(a)

proceedings are taken against a person for having received goods knowing them to be stolen or for having in the person’s possession stolen property; and

(b)

evidence is given that the stolen property was found in the person’s possession,

then, if the person has been convicted of an offence involving fraud or dishonesty within the 5 years immediately preceding, evidence of that previous conviction may be given and may be taken into consideration when proving that the accused knew that the property in the accused’s possession was stolen.

(2) The accused must be given at least 7 days’ written notice that proof will be given of the previous conviction under subsection (1).

(3) For the purposes of subsection (1), the previous conviction of the accused need not be entered in the charge.