By Caroline Ivison

Last updated at 13:13, Monday, 02 July 2012

A man who tattooed two underage girls and was found in possession of a weapon has been handed a suspended prison sentence.

Michael Frank Baker, 63, put the tattoos on girls aged 13 and 15.

He pleaded guilty to two charges of tattooing a person under 18 for reasons other than medical and possession of an offensive weapon – a Japanese throwing star – in a public place when he appeared in court.

Baker, who had never been in trouble with the police before, tattooed the girls at his house at Newlands Gardens, Workington, in May.

For those offences, he was fined a total of £150.

Ryan Foley, defending at West Cumbria Magistrates’ Court, said Baker had met the girls in 2011 when they came to his house to cut his grass and they continued to visit with friends, in some cases becoming anuisance.

Mr Foley said there was no suggestion of any other offences being committed by Baker.

Jane Mackrill, prosecuting, said the mothers of both girls had not given them permission to get the tattoos.

On the weapon charge, magistrates heard Baker was arrested on June 17 at Derwent Park Stadium, Workington, for a breach of the peace and was found to be in possession of a Japanese throwing star which was attached to his belt.

Mr Foley said his client wasn’t aware that the weapon was still attached to his belt when he left his house that day.

He added: “Mr Baker is adamant that the weapon wasn’t for his own protection.

“He wasn’t seeking to use it in the context of self defence or to use it against anyone.”

Chairman of the bench David Collins said in regard to the offensive weapon charge: “There is little doubt in our minds that a custodial sentence is appropriate, however, we are going to suspend it on the basis of your previous good character and that there was no intention of the weapon being used.”

Baker was given an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and a 12-month supervision order to attend regular meetings with the probation service.

He was ordered to pay £170 costs and a £15 surcharge.

First published at 11:24, Monday, 02 July 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk