A MAN who ran an illegal skin piercing business from his home has been fined for the rogue operation.
Wesley Roche, 36, of Meon Close, Chelmsford, was found guilty on Monday at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court of running an unregistered skin piercing business from his home address.
Chelmsford City Council officers began investigating the matter last October following a complaint from a member of the public.
Roche, who denied two charges of carrying out piercings without a licence, was fined £500 and £425 in costs.
Chelmsford City Council cabinet member for safer communities, Councillor Ian Grundy 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."
The council urges 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.
