Tattoo Artist Locked Up for Sex Attacks on Eight Clients
Predator Tattooist Preys During Sessions
Ashley Lilleyman, 30, from chesterfield-derbyshire/">Chesterfield, Derbyshire, has been jailed for over six years after sexually assaulting eight women during tattoo appointments.
At Nottingham Crown Court, Lilleyman admitted 14 counts of sexual assault, revealed after brave victims came forward to expose his twisted pattern of abuse.
Between January 2022 and July 2024, Lilleyman targeted women either at the Mansfield tattoo parlour where he worked or his home studio. Clients said he would start the tattoo work before groping them without consent. One woman even asked to move her tattoo from her stomach to her arm after feeling uncomfortable with his behaviour.
Victims Speak Out, Leading to Arrest
The abuse only came to light when one victim confided in a family member, who alerted the police. Lilleyman was immediately sacked by his employers, and detectives launched a full investigation. Seven more women then reported similar attacks spanning over two years.
Bodycam footage shows Lilleyman’s stunned reaction when officers arrested him outside his workplace. “You’re joking,” he reportedly said upon being told he was detained for sexual assault. He later pleaded guilty to all charges.
Jailed and Tagged as Dangerous Offender
The judge sentenced Lilleyman to six years and four months behind bars. He has also been labelled a dangerous offender, meaning he’ll serve an extra three years on extended licence after release. A Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a 10-year restraining order banning contact with his victims were also imposed.
Police Praise Victims’ Bravery
Detective Constable Mary Taylor from Nottinghamshire Police said:
“We’d like to firstly express our sincere gratitude to all the women who made the brave decision to share what happened to them. Thanks to each of them finding the courage to come forward, and his former employers’ assistance throughout our investigation, we were able to expose Lilleyman’s vile crimes. Seemingly without any care for the trauma he was causing, he repeatedly abused his position to assault his clients while they were in a vulnerable position – all for his own sexual gratification.”
She added police hope this sentencing encourages other survivors of abuse to come forward, confident their reports will be taken seriously.
