ADRIAN EDWARDS JAILED IN NEWPORT FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES INVOLVING TEENAGER
A tattoo artist from Newport has been sentenced to prison after being convicted of paying a teenage girl for sex.Edwards, 57, who owns a tattoo parlour, exchanged a tattoo for sexual favors and later told police he was "killing two birds with one stone".
He was found guilty of two counts of paying a child for sex but was cleared of a third charge.
Edwards maintained that no monetary exchange took place and claimed the victim was 18 when they first engaged in sexual activity.
However, the jury at Newport Crown Court in September did not believe his account, hearing evidence that Edwards had sex with the girl on multiple occasions, including oral sex.
The first encounter reportedly occurred at Edwards' tattoo parlour in Caerphilly, after the girl "pestered" him for a tattoo and allegedly told him, "I'll do anything." During a sentencing hearing on Thursday, Recorder Dyfed Thomas remarked: "You took advantage of that child, Mr.
Edwards, as she was only 16 and 17 for your own sexual gratification.
You promised payment of money and engaged in sexual activity, which a jury found to be true.
You knew as an older man with money she would go along with your suggestions." Prosecutor James Wilson described the incident as a "cold transaction," telling the court that Edwards took the girl into a piercing room, locked the doors, and begun touching her before sexually assaulting her by inserting his penis.
Wilson added: "Afterwards he laughed and asked her what tattoo she wanted." It was revealed that Edwards regularly paid the girl for sex, with her using the money to buy alcohol and hair extensions among other things.
Their meetings continued even after Edwards started working at a tattoo parlour he opened in Cardiff.
Wilson also stated that Edwards persisted in paying her after she turned 18, though the jury's focus was on the events before her 18th birthday.
The victim contacted police in 2019 to report her allegations.
Edwards, of Caerleon Road, Newport, attended a voluntary police interview in which he claimed he had given the girl £100 after she asked for money several times before sex.
He described her behavior as "all over me," including her touching and kissing him, which led him to think "She obviously wants more money." He characterized their relationship as "completely clinical," citing his own high sex drive and past use of prostitutes.
He reportedly told police that sex with the girl was "consensual" and that he paid her sometimes, stating, "No words were exchanged, it was an understanding." Later, he told police he was "disgusted with himself" but did not believe his actions were wrong because "it was like a prostitute." He also said, "It was killing two birds with one stone, passion and helping her out with money." Edwards has previous convictions, including theft by an employee in 1984, tattooing a person under 18 in 2016, and numerous offences involving dishonesty, driving, theft, and handling stolen goods.
During mitigation, defense barrister Julia Cox highlighted Edwards’ character and community involvement, stating: "He has been involved with charitable organisations and reputable sporting bodies, contributing positively through his participation in darts tournaments and event organization, working closely with national bodies." She also mentioned his health issues, including a previous stroke and diabetes, and argued that the victim was legally able to consent at the time.
At the sentencing hearing, Recorder Thomas noted Edwards’ continued denial and minimization of the offences, asserting that he claimed the victim was over 18 and that his actions did not cause harm.
The judge observed that Edwards viewed himself as the victim, lacked remorse, and described his attitude as unrepentant.
Ultimately, Edwards was sentenced to 28 months in prison.
Additionally, he was subject to a court restraining order for ten years.
