January 2015
Man pleads guilty to sexual offences
On the 23 rd January, at Durham crown court Jonathan Race of Scafell Gardens, Crook pleaded guilty to a total of 13 sexual offences against a 13 year old schoolgirl
Race has now been bailed and will return for sentencing on the 27 th February
The defendant was told not to contact the victim by any means whatsoever
May 2013
Crook man admits tattooing children as young as 13
A MUSIC student bought a tattoo gun off the internet and used it on children as young as 13.
Jonathan Race admits placing tattoos on five children, aged between 13 and 15, between March 30 and April 1.
The 18-year-old, who is studying music at the Sage in Gateshead, bought a tattoo gun and ink off the internet and had practised on his own arms and body before moving onto his younger friends.
One youngster had the word “fox” tattooed on his shoulder.
Deborah Jones, prosecuting at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates Court (Friday, May 3), said Race’s actions came to light when the victim’s parents discovered the tattoos and complained to the police.
She said the children had asked Race, of Laburnum Avenue, Crook, County Durham, to carry out out the tattoos and, although they did not consider themselves to be victims of crime, their parents were not happy.
“The police were contacted by two parents on April 3,” said Ms Jones. “They said they had not given their consent and were concerned as the tattoos had been carried out by someone who is not a professional and is not qualified to tattoo minors.”
The court heard how Race had read the instruction booklet that came with the tattoo gun and had disinfected all of the equipment.
However, he accepted he was not qualified to tattoo children and pleaded guilty to five charges of tattooing a person under 18 for reasons other than medical.
Darren Brown, mitigating, said Race had not been sure of the law concerning tattoos, adding: “His actions were down to his immaturity and stupidity more than anything else.”
Race received a 12-month conditional discharge and was ordered to pay a £15 victim surcharge.
