A MAN has been found guilty of running an unregistered skin piercing business from his home.

Wesley Roche, of Springfield, Chelmsford, was found guilty of the offence on Monday at Chelmsford Magistrates Court following an investigation by the public health and protection service at Chelmsford Council.

The investigation began in October following a complaint from a member of the public.

After hearing evidence from Officers and Mr Roche, magistrates found him guilty of failing to register either himself or his premises, which is required by law. He was fined £500 and required to pay £400 in costs and a £25 victim surcharge.

Councillor Ian Grundy, cabinet member for safer communities, said: “This sends a clear message to the industry that failure to register skin piercing activity will not be tolerated by Chelmsford City Council.

“Registration is important because it means that Officers know where people are trading and can check that hygienic procedures are being followed. “Those visiting unregistered premises are at greater risk of infection, including infection with blood borne viruses.”

Officers from the council’s public health and protection services urge members of the public to make sure that they check that premises and persons carrying out skin piercing and tattooing are registered with the Council before going ahead.

Visit www.chelmsford.gov.uk/skin-piercing-tattooing for more information or contact 01245 606606.