Section 374

Where proceedings are taken against any person for having received goods knowing them to be stolen or for having in his possession stolen property and evidence has been given that the stolen property has been found in his possession, then, if that person has within 5 years immediately preceding been convicted of any offence involving fraud or dishonesty, evidence of that previous conviction may be given at any stage of the proceedings and may be taken into consideration for the purpose of proving that the person accused knew the property which was proved to be in his possession to have been stolen:Provided that not less than 7 days’ notice in writing has been given to the person accused that proof is intended to be given of the previous conviction. It shall not be necessary for the purposes of this section to enter in the charge the previous conviction of the person so accused.[373