Alright so I'm in the UK (London) and I got an underaged tattoo. It's not just a small love heart it's a pretty big tattoo that was done on the centre of my chest, the guy didn't ask for ID and I didn't show him any. He also did two of my other tattoos and they were INCREDIBLY bad, there was no lines, it was faded and patchy, like a 11 year old had drawn it. I'm now 20 years old, having to get the tattoos redone as it was so bad, I'm also considering laser treatment for the big tattoo on my chest, if you saw the pictures of how he'd left it you'd understand.

Now it's costing a lot of money, to get them fixed and the laser treatment will be beyond £1000 to get removed. I was wondering if anyone knows what the best way to go around taking him to court would be? I understand it's partly my fault as I was stupid enough, but not only did this man tattoo a big portrait type picture on a 16year olds chest but he also couldn't of given a shit how it had looked, as long as he got his money. I think it's disgusting and I think he should never be allowed to tattoo again.

I know he's also tattooed other underaged people and they've complained also but I cannot find out who they are.

Best advice please, if you're going to say this is why people shouldn't get underaged tattoos please do me a favour and do one as I'm clearly aware of that now.

Thanks :)

If by partly, you mean fully? Did he restrain you and force you to have it? Take some bloody personal responsibility. You were 16, not 10.

Maybe let it serve as a reminder to think things through in the future and mature a little, rather than trying to have someone else literally pay for your mistakes.

IANAL, I just googled tattoo law UK and found this: UK Tattoo legislation!. What the tattoo artist did was a crime, which may be investigated and could be punishable by law if there is any evidence to link this 'artist' with your work - seriously how would you prove this tattooist did this work? In any case your involvement with that would only be as a witness to the crime if you have any way of proving this fella did it, in any event I'm sure he could plausibly deny it with impunity. I do not know how this would stand owing to the fact you were a minor at the time. Also the period of time since the crime was committed would be brought into question as it would appear you were not bothered by the incident until you faced great cost in correcting what is just poor workmanship, it would be seen as a tattle tale & wasting police/courts time rather than the victim of a nasty crime. You VOLUNTEERED to get the tattoo, regardless of your age you chose this 'artist' therefore your complaint to this situation is a CIVIL DISPUTE & essentially you would have to pursue damages against him for his work being contrary to the agreed design or implementation. It would be your word against his, I'm sure time and body development/changes over the period would also degrade the strength of your claim. The fact you went back for a couple of further tattoos does not bode well in support of your claim. googled tattoo ombudsman - ironically returned these results: Hope you get something sorted

You can sue someone for whatever you like. Doesn't mean the claim is valid or you might win. It will prob cost more than a grand for such a case.

You've had some other good advice here - it'll cost as much to litigate as you'll will in damages.

You might try searching for no win, no fee personal injury compensation lawyers, but don't pin your hopes on it.

If this guy has a tattoo studio, contact the local council's licensing department and report him. They may be ale to ensure this never happens to anyone else or, as you may prefer to think of it, get back at him for you.

If he was criminally convicted of underaged tattooing, that would make a civil damages claim easier - the criminal case would prove that he'd done it, so the civil case would only be about the amount of damages.

It sounds, though, like he's some skint scratcher, and there's no point in suing someone with no money, even if you do win.

Oh, also, I still have every single conversation and whatsapp messaged saved with this guy, him agreeing, the messages I sent to him years ago saying the tattoos are faded, ect. Don't know if that'll help either