22 JULY 1989, Page 16

A DICTIONARY OF CANT

INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUIL- TY. Recent legislation means that any- one caught digging a hole is required to prove that he is not digging for badgers, if he is so charged. No council workmen have yet been charged. If you are caught in the street with anything sharp, you must prove that you did not intend to stab anyone with it, and publicans who mistakenly serve under-age drink- ers are required to prove that they believed that each customer was over 18. 'Innocent until proven guilty' is a phrase with a pleasing ring, but do remember that the presumption of in- nocence, like compulsory longbow practice, is history.

Nigel Burke