SCARBOROUGH TATTOOIST MARTIN SIXSMITH SENTENCED FOR REPEATED RAPE AND SEXUAL ABUSE OF UNDERAGE GIRL

In a case that has shocked the community of Scarborough, Martin Paul Sixsmith, a 58-year-old tattoo artist, has been sentenced to a total of 16 years in prison after being found guilty of multiple counts of sexual assault and rape involving a young girl. The disturbing case revealed a pattern of grooming and abuse that spanned several years, with Sixsmith exploiting his position and trust to victimize an underage girl.

Sixsmith, who operated an award-winning tattoo parlour in Scarborough, used manipulative tactics to gain the girl’s confidence. He would compliment her appearance, making her feel valued and special, only to later subject her to persistent and vile sexual abuse. The offences took place at various locations within Scarborough between 2010 and 2013, a period during which the girl was particularly vulnerable.

It was only after the girl summoned the courage to come forward and press charges in May 2014 that the full extent of Sixsmith’s crimes came to light. The investigation uncovered a series of heinous acts, leading to his arrest. Throughout the trial, Sixsmith maintained his innocence, vehemently denying all allegations and claiming that the girl was lying. Despite his protests, the evidence presented was overwhelming.

He faced a total of 16 counts, including 11 counts of rape, with seven of those relating to repeated assaults when the girl was below the age of consent. Additional charges included one count of sexual assault of a child under 13, two counts of assault by penetration, one count of sexual assault when the victim was above the legal age, and an attempted sexual assault. Sixsmith’s defense argued against the charges, but the jury was unanimous in their verdict, finding him guilty on all counts.

Judge Paul Batty QC delivered the sentence, condemning Sixsmith’s actions as “the most appalling, disgraceful catalogue of sexual conduct,” which had a profound and lasting impact on the victim. The judge sentenced him to 12 years for the rape convictions, with an additional four years to be served consecutively for two other counts, culminating in a total of 16 years behind bars.

Prosecutor Peter Hampton detailed how Sixsmith groomed the girl through text messages and social media, often telling her she was pretty, further manipulating her into trusting him. It was also revealed that, two years prior to the series of attacks, Sixsmith had sexually assaulted the girl at another property, even before she had reached her teens.

Following his arrest, Sixsmith attempted to shift blame onto the victim, claiming she had been the instigator of the encounters. As part of his sentence, he was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register indefinitely and was subjected to a sexual-harm prevention order. This order will impose restrictions on his activities once he is released from prison, aiming to prevent any further harm and protect the community from his predatory behavior.