An unusual week in city court

A REMARKABLE week at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court, not least because there have been a number of relatively rare cases which have been presented by prosecutors.

- By CARL EVE

Along with the usual fare of drink and drug-drivers, assaulters of emergency workers and shoplifters has been the more unusual cases - such as a 14-year-old boy dealt with for driving an electric scooter without due care and attention - he was given points to put on his licence, which he won't be able to get for a few more years.

However, in what may be a first in many years, magistrates were called upon to deal with a case of a man who tattooed a person under the age of 18. The case fell under two sections of the Tattooing of Minors Act, 1969. For those who don’t have a penchant for ink, you may not be aware that it is against the law to tattoo a person who is under the age of 18. No one can provide any sort of consent. If a tattoo artist carries out a tattoo on a person who is under 18, the tattoo artist could face a fine of up to £1,000 and could be at risk of losing their registration.

DRINK/DRUG-DRIVE

GEMMA JARVIS, aged 33, of Severn Place, Plymouth: Drove on Victory Street with 88mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. Drove on Victory Street in vehicle without suitable insurance. Drove on Victory Street otherwise than in accordance with a licence, having had such a licence revoked. Court costs £85. Victim surcharge £114. Community order - Provide samples to Harbour Drug and Alcohol Service for three months. Rehabilitation activity up to 15 days. Disqualified from driving for 46 months. Fined £120.

ASHTON RAWLINS, aged 21 of Congreve Gardens, Plymouth: Drove Vauhall Corsa on Athenaeum Street with ketamine in blood in excess of specified limit. Possession of 0.21g of class B ketamine. Community order - Unpaid work 40 hours. Disqualified from driving for 18 months. Court costs £85. Victim surcharge £114.