A man has died of sepsis after getting a tattoo as the family pay tribute to their “precious” son who was “loved by everyone”.
Ben Larry, 32, from the UK contracted a serious infection after getting ink work by an unlicensed tattooist.
The dad-of-two died of a sepsis infection after Tony James Learmount tattooed him from a makeshift studio in his shed, The Sun reported.
The 35-year-old artist, of Middlesbrough, has been found guilty of operating in an unregistered studio.
Prosecutor Thomas Durance said: “The infection had originally developed around the area of a new tattoo.
“Cleveland Police investigated and this led to confirmation of the tattooist being Mr Tony James Learmount of Donnington Green, Middlesbrough. The same location where the tattoo had taken place.”
Magistrates at Teesside Magistrates’ Court heard Learmount was first reported to the council in summer last year on May 9 after Larry’s death.
Police visited Learmount’s property, where they seized his tattoo equipment and arrested him.
He faced $1906 fine for failing to register his address as his premises for carrying out tattooing.
The magistrates panel said: “We are limited in terms of the fine we can impose.
“I must say we almost certainly would have gone higher. This case has been very troubling – that’s as much we can do in this court.”
Paying tribute, his heartbroken family said: “Our precious, adored, kind and caring son was loved by everyone. He touched so many hearts.
“No parent should lose a child, no child should lose their daddy and no grandparent should lose a grandchild.
“Our hearts are broken. We are so lucky to have our two beautiful grandsons to keep his legacy and our memories of him alive.”
It comes as Learmount was banned from trading to protect public health after customers’ complaints about his hygiene standards in 2018.
Environmental Health Officers found he presented a risk of significant harm to human health.
Customers who have been tattooed by Learmount have been urged to visit their GP.
This story originally appeared on The Sun and reproduced with permission