Clause 81 - ''Bad character''
Criminal Justice Bill
9:10 am
Mr Paul Stinchcombe (Wellingborough, Labour)
I am no criminal lawyer, but will the hon. Gentleman confirm that the matter is slightly broader than he says, in that previous allegations that did not result in convictions can, in certain circumstances, also be admitted? Strikingly similar fact evidence is not the only thing that can lead to the admissibility of previous bad character evidence: anything that gives rise to the conclusion that the probative value of those previous
acquittals or convictions outweighs the prejudice that would be done to the defendant can also do so.