Untrained tattooist practiced on pigskin, court told (From The Northern Echo)

Registered tattoo parlour warns against untrained inkers

8:00am Friday 5th August 2011 in News By Paul Cook

AN untrained tattooist who taught himself by practising on pigskin was giving people tattoos with equipment bought over the internet and without correct sterilisation, a court heard.

Last night, Darlington’s only licensed parlour warned people against visiting unregistered artists because of health risks and poor workmanship, as it emerged that at least four other investigations are under way.

Joseph Vasarhelyi, 23, of Oakdene Avenue, Darlington, pleaded guilty to failing to register as a tattooist with Darlington Borough Council, under the Local Government Misc Provisions Act 1982, when he appeared at the town’s magistrates’ court on Wednesday.

Vasarhelyi had also failed to comply with council byelaws relating to tattooists including standards of hygiene and age of clients.

The council’s environmental health team took action after a tip-off from a member of the public who was concerned about Vasarhelyi and whether he was registered.

The health team’s investigation identified that he was not registered with Darlington Borough Council or any other authority, had bought his equipment online, was untrained, had taught himself and his knowledge of sterilisation procedures were “rudimentary” and “not sufficient” to safely run his business.

Vasarhelyi, who visited people in their own homes to carry out the tattoos, was fined £35 and ordered to pay £200 costs.

Chris McEwan, cabinet member for economy and regeneration, said: “It is essential that any person who intends to carry out tattooing is registered with the council and complies with the byelaws.

“The purpose of the legislation is to protect the public and prevent the spread of infections such as HIV and hepatitis.”

Eric Mitchenson and Kenny Ackerman, who have run Darlington’s only registered parlour Skin Deep, in High Northgate, for 26 years, last night said they believed there were many unlicensed tattoists operating from their own homes.

Mr Mitchenson said customers often came in with complaints about the quality of tattoos and concerns about infections following unlicensed work.

He has also had cases where teenage girls and their mothers have come in asking them to correct or improve tattoos but left in tears because they were below the minimum age of 18.

Mr Mitchenson added: “Anything like this case that causes infections is bad for this trade.

“If only a few cases are reported in the paper it will be bad for business.

“It will hit us the hardest because we have spent years building up our business and spent thousands of pounds.”