(a) In criminal prosecutions for assault, as defined in section 94-36, or for battery, as defined in section 94-37, or for harassment, as defined in section 94-42, or for prostitution, as defined in section 94-216, or for lewd or indecent act, as defined in section 94-217, the prosecution may, subject to the provisions of this section, introduce evidence of other similar acts or transactions of the defendant for the purpose of showing a common plan, scheme, design, identity, modus operandi, motive, guilty knowledge, or intent.

(b) If the prosecution intends to introduce evidence of similar acts or transactions as provided in subsection (a) of this section, the prosecutor shall advise the trial court of the purpose for which evidence of similar acts or transactions is offered. The burden shall be on the prosecution to show the relevancy of evidence if objection to introduction of the evidence has been made. The trial court shall determine whether or not the evidence offered is relevant and, if relevant, whether or not the prejudice which would result to the defendant substantially outweighs the evidentiary value.

(c) The trial court shall, at the time of the reception into evidence of similar acts or transactions and again in the general charge to the jury, direct the jury as to the limited purpose for which the evidence is admitted and for which the jury may consider it. The court in instructing the jury, and the parties when making statements in the presence of the jury, shall use the words "similar act or transaction" and shall at no time refer to "similar offenses," "similar crimes," or other terms which have the same connotations.

(d) Before admitting evidence of similar acts or transactions, the court must find that the people have introduced sufficient evidence against the defendant to constitute a prima facie case warranting submission of the case to the jury on the evidence presented other than that of similar acts or transactions. (Code 1979, § 27-5)