Woman guilty of illegally tattooing 16-year-old girl

A Wigan woman has been convicted of illegally tattooing a 16-year-old girl.

Gypsy Wells, of Bolton House Road, Bickershaw, was found guilty by Wigan magistrates on three charges - of tattooing a minor, failing to register as a tattooist and failing to register premises for tattooing.

Wells, who failed to attend court on two occasions, was convicted in her absence at a hearing yesterday. She was fined £200 for each offence and ordered to pay £200 costs plus a victim surcharge of £15.

The court heard how the case started when the girl's mother complained that her 16-year-old daughter, who can’t be identified for legal reasons, had been tattooed by Wells, who was advertising her services in a local shop.

Investigations by council environmental health officers Helen Whittaker and Linda Spedding confirmed the allegation. It is illegal to give a tattoo to anyone under the age of 18 years.

Although health chiefs believe that Gypsy Wells was operating on a small local scale, they say their investigation identified serious concerns about poor conditions and procedures.

Speaking after the case, Ron Sherwood, service manager in Wigan Council's business compliance team, said: “The health risks associated with tattooing are well established and registered tattooists in the borough receive regular programmed visits, are sent up to date health and safety information and on occasions have had access to a specialist nurse in health protection. 

“All of this helps to ensure that tattooing services offered to local residents are carried out in appropriate conditions.

“There are no such safeguards with unregistered tattooists who operate from home in unsatisfactory conditions. Unfortunately an unscrupulous tattooist such as Gypsy Wells is also more likely to attract vulnerable young people keen to have a tattoo but likely to be refused by a reputable business.”

Anyone who has health concerns regarding a tattoo should consult their GP.