Man Imprisoned for Permanently Tattooing Three Young Children
A 31-year-old man has been sentenced to three years in prison after giving permanent tattoos to three young children in what a judge described as a 'staggeringly stupid and foolish' act.
Patrick Coe, of Byker in Newcastle, pleaded guilty to three counts of child cruelty at Newcastle Crown Court. The court heard how Coe carried out the 'harmful' tattoos, leaving the children in significant pain and emotional distress.
Children Suffered Physical and Emotional Trauma
The victims, whose ages were not specified, reported experiencing pain rated as seven out of ten following the tattooing. One child described the aftercare as merely having the tattoo site wiped with a baby wipe, leading to a minor infection along with swelling and discomfort.
All three children required immediate medical attention, including:
- Hepatitis B and tetanus injections
- Multiple blood tests to check for disease transmission
- Ongoing medical monitoring
The medical procedures caused 'significant anxiety and distress' for the young victims, with one child developing sleeping problems and another feeling 'upset and scared' throughout the ordeal.
Coe's Reaction and Court Proceedings
Shockingly, the court heard that Coe found the situation 'hilarious' and laughed about what he had done. When confronted, he admitted to the tattooing but claimed he didn't see anything wrong with his actions.
Judge Sarah Mallett delivered a stern rebuke during sentencing, stating: 'The children didn't choose to have a permanent tattoo. They were put at risk by you giving them tattoos. They are visibly marked with a permanent reminder of you and this.'
In addition to the three-year prison sentence, Coe received a ten-year restraining order prohibiting contact with the victims.
Defense and Remorse
Defense barrister Brian Hegarty described Coe's actions as 'quite staggering and defies belief he could be so foolish.' He argued that Coe didn't intend to cause pain and has since expressed remorse for his actions.
'He does now appreciate what he did was incredibly stupid and should not have happened,' Mr. Hegarty told the court, emphasizing his client's belated recognition of the seriousness of his crimes.
Long-Term Impact on Victims
The emotional consequences for the children have been severe and ongoing:
- One victim has been receiving therapy to cope with anxiety following the incident
- Another child said they 'hate' the tattoo and will likely need psychological support
- The third victim struggles with significant anxiety related to the medical treatment required
One child revealed they were told the tattoo was temporary and would wash off, only to discover it was permanent. Another complained of itching at school following the procedure, adding to their discomfort and embarrassment.
The case serves as a stark warning about the serious consequences of such reckless actions toward children, with the victims now carrying permanent physical reminders of their traumatic experience.
