Written question asked by Lord Bannside (Democratic Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 27 October 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 3 November 2004. It was answered by Lord Spellar (Labour) on Wednesday, 3 November 2004 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what plans he has to extend to Northern Ireland changes in the legal system that would permit juries in child sex and theft cases to be made aware of previous similar convictions of defendants; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Rev. Ian Paisley: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to extend to Northern Ireland changes in the legal system that would permit juries in child sex and theft cases to be made aware of previous similar convictions of defendants; and if he will make a statement. [195106] Mr. Spellar: The Criminal Justice Act 2003 contains provisions in sections 98 to 110 to allow evidence of a defendant's previous convictions and other misconduct to be admitted at trial where these are relevant to the case and provided their value is greater than the risk that such evidence might unduly prejudice the fairness of the trial. These sections of the Act already apply to Northern Ireland. I am currently considering the Home Secretary's proposals for the first categories of offence to be covered by the Act with a view to commencement of the evidence of bad character provisions for Northern Ireland in April 2005.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 195106; 426 c338W
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Evidence of previous convictions Northern Ireland Paedophilia Theft
Legislation: Criminal Justice Act 2003
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk