PAUL LITTLE SALFORD TATTOO ARTIST SENTENCED FOR RAPE AND SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN SALFORD AND IRLAM
| Red Rose Database
Salford Rapist
In December 2020, a disturbing case emerged involving Paul Little, a 56-year-old tattoo artist whose actions have shocked the community in Salford and Irlam. Over a period spanning six years, from 2013 to 2019, Little committed a series of heinous sexual offenses against multiple women while working at his tattoo parlour, Rabbit Tattoos, located in Irlam.
Little's crimes included both sexual assault and rape, with his victims ranging in age from 18 to 49. The court heard that he would often order his victims to disrobe before touching them inappropriately and exposing himself during tattoo sessions. The most egregious incident involved him raping a vulnerable woman as she admired her newly completed tattoo. This particular assault marked a dark chapter in his criminal activities.
During a court hearing at Manchester Crown Court on Tuesday, December 22, Little was sentenced to eight and a half years in prison. The prosecution detailed that one of the assaults occurred in 2014 when a woman visited his parlour to get an extensive tattoo. According to prosecutor Rachel White, Little locked the door before making inappropriate advances, including cupping her breast and attempting to kiss her. Despite this, the work on her tattoo continued, but later, as she admired her tattoo, Little bent her over a bed, pulled down her underwear, and momentarily penetrated her. The victim described the incident as happening very quickly, and she tried to push him away by bucking her upper body backwards multiple times.
In her statement read aloud in court, the woman expressed that the assault had devastated her life and marriage. She also revealed her initial reluctance to report the incident, fearing the damage it might cause to her personal life. The court also heard about other victims, including an 18-year-old woman whom Little ordered to remove her clothes before grabbing her breast and making explicit comments. Another woman recounted how Little had grabbed her breasts after making inappropriate remarks, prompting her to tell him to stop in no uncertain terms.
Further shocking details emerged when Little was accused of sucking a woman's nipple, kissing her on the mouth, exposing himself, and attempting to coerce her into touching his genitals. Three victims independently approached the police last year to report their experiences. Following these reports, Little was questioned and charged with four counts of sexual assault in December. When the media reported on these charges, additional victims came forward, leading to a broader investigation.
Little denied the allegations initially, but after a trial last month, a jury found him guilty of one count of rape, five counts of sexual assault, and two counts of exposure. Judge Elizabeth Nicholls condemned his conduct, describing him as 'exploitative and opportunistic.' She emphasized that women should not have to tolerate such behaviour or comments, criticizing Little for abusing his artistic talent to commit these offences. The judge urged him to reflect on his actions during his time in custody.
Judge Nicholls also praised the victims for their courage in coming forward and expressed hope that they could find some closure and move on with their lives. As part of his sentence, Little was subjected to a sexual harm prevention order and a restraining order was issued concerning one of the victims. Little, who resides on Bramhall Street in Warrington, was also supported by specialist officers from Greater Manchester Police and partner agencies, including St. Mary’s. His criminal record now includes a significant prison sentence and restrictions aimed at preventing further harm.
Little's crimes included both sexual assault and rape, with his victims ranging in age from 18 to 49. The court heard that he would often order his victims to disrobe before touching them inappropriately and exposing himself during tattoo sessions. The most egregious incident involved him raping a vulnerable woman as she admired her newly completed tattoo. This particular assault marked a dark chapter in his criminal activities.
During a court hearing at Manchester Crown Court on Tuesday, December 22, Little was sentenced to eight and a half years in prison. The prosecution detailed that one of the assaults occurred in 2014 when a woman visited his parlour to get an extensive tattoo. According to prosecutor Rachel White, Little locked the door before making inappropriate advances, including cupping her breast and attempting to kiss her. Despite this, the work on her tattoo continued, but later, as she admired her tattoo, Little bent her over a bed, pulled down her underwear, and momentarily penetrated her. The victim described the incident as happening very quickly, and she tried to push him away by bucking her upper body backwards multiple times.
In her statement read aloud in court, the woman expressed that the assault had devastated her life and marriage. She also revealed her initial reluctance to report the incident, fearing the damage it might cause to her personal life. The court also heard about other victims, including an 18-year-old woman whom Little ordered to remove her clothes before grabbing her breast and making explicit comments. Another woman recounted how Little had grabbed her breasts after making inappropriate remarks, prompting her to tell him to stop in no uncertain terms.
Further shocking details emerged when Little was accused of sucking a woman's nipple, kissing her on the mouth, exposing himself, and attempting to coerce her into touching his genitals. Three victims independently approached the police last year to report their experiences. Following these reports, Little was questioned and charged with four counts of sexual assault in December. When the media reported on these charges, additional victims came forward, leading to a broader investigation.
Little denied the allegations initially, but after a trial last month, a jury found him guilty of one count of rape, five counts of sexual assault, and two counts of exposure. Judge Elizabeth Nicholls condemned his conduct, describing him as 'exploitative and opportunistic.' She emphasized that women should not have to tolerate such behaviour or comments, criticizing Little for abusing his artistic talent to commit these offences. The judge urged him to reflect on his actions during his time in custody.
Judge Nicholls also praised the victims for their courage in coming forward and expressed hope that they could find some closure and move on with their lives. As part of his sentence, Little was subjected to a sexual harm prevention order and a restraining order was issued concerning one of the victims. Little, who resides on Bramhall Street in Warrington, was also supported by specialist officers from Greater Manchester Police and partner agencies, including St. Mary’s. His criminal record now includes a significant prison sentence and restrictions aimed at preventing further harm.