Rogue tattoo artist who worked without licence banned over health risk

A rogue tattoo artist who continued to work on customers in their own homes despite losing his licence has been banned from operating in Greater Manchester.

Michael McCabe, 62, of Stockport, advertised on social media, offering tattoos and training in the body art for unwitting customers who thought his business was properly regulated.

An injunction to stop Mr McCabe trading in the region was granted by a judge at Manchester County Court after a case was brought by Trafford Council.

The authority’s director of public health, Helen Gollins, said the court order would help protect people from “potentially harmful treatments”.

Mr McCabe had owned a tattoo parlour, Liquid Ink on Regent Road, Altrincham, where he was registered to work between 2009 and 2023.

Issues with hygiene, including the cleaning of equipment, were found by environmental health officers during this time, a Trafford Council spokesman said.

The authority said Mr McCabe was said to have been obstructive after enforcement action was taken at the shop, “making it very difficult for the council to work with him to on potential improvements”.

The shop ceased trading in 2023, meaning the tattoo artist was no longer licensed, but he continued to work through clients he met online.

This was reported to the council in February, before a judge granted an injunction against him due to the risk of harm.

Trafford Council said poor hygiene practices when tattooing could lead to health complications, including blood-borne illness such as hepatitis and allergic reactions.

Ms Gollins said: “Anyone thinking about having a tattoo should check their tattooist is registered with their local authority.

“Any reputable operator will be able to show their certificate when asked.”