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Tattoo parlour owner jailed for sexually assaulting customers
Summary
Paul Kelleher, 61, of Esker Gate, Mountmellick, was convicted at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court of three counts of sexual assault against three customers of his tattoo and piercing shop, Newfaze Ink, in Portlaoise. The assaults occurred between August and December 2015 and in January 2018. Two victims were receiving piercings when assaulted; the third, a 14‑year‑old girl, was having a piercing cleaned. Kelleher was sentenced to nine years' imprisonment, with the final 12 months suspended on strict conditions. He maintains his innocence, has denied the allegations, and said he would change his legal team. The victims expressed profound harm, loss of trust in male professionals, and described the trial as degrading. Kelleher has two prior convictions, including a four‑year sentence for a similar offence. The judge noted his age disparity with the victims and his abuse of a position of trust. The sentence was imposed with a suspended portion and a requirement to attend counselling.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Tattoo parlour owner jailed for sexually assaulting customers. Charges or matters: three counts of sexual assault following a trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court earlier this year. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted
When:
- December 2015 Incident
- January 2018 Incident
- August 2015 Incident
- 2008 and 2020 Incident
- 2025-04-28 Publication
Case subjects
Background Person
Charges: three counts of sexual assault following a trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court earlier this year (Proven)
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; Kelleher was today handed a sentence of nine years, with the final 12 months suspended on strict conditions. The court was told that he maintains his innocence and, after the sentence was imposed, Kelleher addressed the court to say he would be changing his legal team.
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