A predatory tattoo artist who sexually assaulted eight of his clients during appointments has been jailed for more than six years.

Ashley Lilleyman, 30, of Chesterfield, Derbyshire, admitted 14 counts of sexual assault at Nottingham Crown Court after women bravely came forward to expose his pattern of abuse.

Abused Clients During Tattoo Sessions

The court heard that between January 2022 and July 2024, Lilleyman targeted women during prearranged tattoo sessions, either at the Mansfield parlour where he worked or at his home studio.

Victims described how Lilleyman began tattoo work before groping them. One woman who had booked a stomach tattoo asked for it to be moved to her arm after his behaviour made her uncomfortable.

The assaults came to light when one of the victims confided in a family member, who contacted police. His employers sacked him immediately while detectives launched a full investigation.

Seven more women later reported similar attacks, with offences spanning more than two years.

Arrest Caught on Bodycam

Body-worn footage showed officers arresting Lilleyman outside his workplace. When told he was being detained on suspicion of sexual assault, he responded: “You’re joking.”

He later pleaded guilty to all charges.

Six-Year Prison Sentence

Judge [Name if available] jailed Lilleyman for six years and four months and ruled he is a dangerous offender, meaning he will serve an additional three years on extended licence after release.

He was also handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a 10-year restraining order banning contact with his victims.

Police Praise Victims’ Courage

Detective Constable Mary Taylor, of Nottinghamshire Police, praised the women for their bravery in speaking out:

“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 that police hoped the sentencing would encourage other survivors of sexual abuse to come forward, knowing their reports will be taken seriously.