Former tattoo studio operator in court on drugs, firearms charges

A former tattoo studio operator wept as the court detailed his shocking sexual abuse as a teen. One assault left him in hospital for seven months.

A man, who once operated a tattoo studio has been spared a lengthy jail sentence.

The man, who can’t be identified as he is a victim of sexual offences, was before Coffs Harbour Local Court on Friday.

He has been remanded in custody since March 2021 and appeared before court via audiovisual link, facing heroin supply and weapons charges.

The man’s lawyer pleaded with the magistrate to consider his history of sexual abuse and limited criminal history when determining a sentence.

“He had a happy and stable early childhood until the age of 10 when he was sexually abused by a Church Brother then again, over a period of four months or so, some years later,” the court heard.

He told his parents about the assault but they didn’t believe him, the court heard.

He left school at an early age and started living on the streets and taking heroin in the Kings Cross area in Sydney.

This is where, at the age of 16, he was sexually assaulted once again by an American sailor, his lawyer told the court.

The assault was so violent it left him in hospital for seven months.

He plans to seek compensation through the National Redress Scheme which will help with “working towards closure”, his lawyer told the court.

Coffs Harbour courthouse.

In addition to the post traumatic stress resulting from the violent attacks, the man’s lawyer asked the magistrate to take into account his efforts to rebuild his life, including a long period of drug abstinence, and the operation of a tattoo business and purchase of a home with his wife.

“He had completely turned his life around,” the lawyer said.

In relation to the heroin the man was found to be in possession of, Magistrate Ian Rodgers said he was not gaining any significant level of financial gain; rather it was supporting his own use.

He also recognised the “significant childhood trauma” he had suffered throughout his life.

Mr Rodgers handed down an aggregate sentence for the drug charges of 22 months, backdated to March 2021 and to expire on January 20, 2023, with a non-parole period of 10 months.

This means he will be eligible for parole on January 20.

In relation to the possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit no conviction or penalty was applied.