Staggeringly Stupid’ Man Jailed for Tattooing Children in UK

Published: 18 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

A man in Newcastle has been sentenced to three years in prison after tattooing three primary‑school‑aged children, in what a judge described as “staggeringly stupid” and harmful conduct. The case, heard at Newcastle Crown Court, has shocked the local community and drawn widespread attention for the severity of his actions toward young victims.

Patrick Coe, 31, admitted three counts of child cruelty after using a home tattoo kit to apply permanent ink to children who believed they were receiving temporary designs. Prosecutors outlined how Coe gave one child a heart on the foot, another a skull on the chest, and a ghost on the ankle, causing pain and trauma during the process.

Medical checks were required after the incident, including preventative injections for hepatitis and tetanus. One child also suffered a minor infection as a result of the homemade tattooing. Despite these consequences, Coe reportedly showed little understanding of the harm he caused at the time of his arrest, telling authorities he “didn’t see anything wrong with it,” the court heard.

Judge Sarah Mallett condemned Coe’s actions, noting that the permanent tattoos amounted to “cosmetic disfigurement” and “permanent injury,” and emphasised that the children did not consent to bearing lifelong marks. She described the behaviour as “staggeringly stupid and foolish,” underscoring the gravity of exposing children to such procedures without proper training, consent, or safety measures.

In sentencing, Coe was also issued with a ten‑year restraining order, a protective measure designed to prevent further contact with the victims. The ruling serves not only as a punishment but also as a stark reminder of the legal consequences when adults harm minors under the guise of misguided intentions.

Public reaction has been strong, with many expressing disbelief that someone would undertake such dangerous actions with children’s wellbeing at risk. Advocacy groups reaffirmed that children’s safety must always come first, particularly in matters involving permanent bodily harm.

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