Tattoo

Ramsgate tattooist hit by £500 fine

A Ramsgate tattoo artist has been fined £500 plus costs after being found guilty of tattooing a 15-year-old girl.

Don Carfoot of Don’s Tattooing in Hereson Road, Ramsgate had pleaded not guilty, but was found guilty of this offence under the Tattooing of Minors Act 1969 at Margate Magistrates Court.

This was a joint prosecution between Kent Police and Thanet District Council and followed the incident last February.

Police say this type of prosecution is “very rare” as most parents who find their child tattooed under age do not wish to pursue the case through the courts.

Licensing officer Nigel Cruttenden said: “We want to thank the girl and her parents for their bravery and support which has resulted in this successful prosecution. Although complaints about underage tattooing are not uncommon, it is very rare to get a successful prosecution. I hope this case sends a clear message to all tattoo artists that they need to raise their game about checking ages and proof of identity. Our advice to them is if there is no ID then no tattoo.”