PAUL SAUNDERS (POZ PIERCER) TRIAL IN IPSWICH DISCHARGED FOR 'TECHNICAL REASONS'

A jury in Ipswich, initially set to hear a two-month rape trial involving body piercer Paul Saunders, has been discharged by a judge due to "technical reasons." Saunders, age 51, from Ipswich, who operates Scarz&Barz on Eagle Street, has been on trial since 14 October, facing three counts of rape and seven counts of sexual assault. He denies all charges, which relate to allegations involving nine women spanning from 2012 to 2020.

During proceedings at Ipswich Crown Court, Judge Martyn Levett announced that the case would be rescheduled for 28 February, stating, "I regret to say I must discharge the jury." The original trial was expected to run until mid-December. For legal reasons, the BBC cannot disclose specific details about the jury’s discharge, but Judge Levett acknowledged that the case’s progress had been "very slow indeed." He added, "The case has not run as smoothly as it otherwise should have or I might expect. There has to be a fair trial for everyone, including Mr. Saunders."

The case is being relisted so that the court can be brought up to speed. Saunders was released on unconditional bail and is scheduled to appear again in court.

On 14 October 2024, Saunders, known by his nickname "Poz," was described on the trial’s opening day as a "cunning and manipulative predator" accused of targeting vulnerable clients and women. Prosecutor Rossano Scamardella KC outlined that Saunders, who runs Scarz&Barz, faces serious allegations involving nine women, although Saunders maintains his innocence.

The prosecution presented evidence that Saunders would become aroused during intimate piercings, often taking photographs of pierced areas such as vaginas and breasts, which he allegedly stored in password-protected folders on his phone for sexual gratification. Further claims included Saunders making inappropriate remarks about women's breasts during procedures and asking clients for hugs in a sexual manner after piercings. It was also noted that a simple five-minute piercing could take Saunders up to 45 minutes, prompting concern from staff about potential sinister motives.

Mr. Scamardella KC highlighted Saunders' status as a prominent figure in Ipswich, having appeared in a TV documentary and establishing himself as a man of respect and trust. However, he suggested that behind this facade lay a darker reality, specifically targeting women with mental health issues, exploiting their trust for sexual gratification. The prosecutor stated, "Mr Saunders was sexually aroused by his work and used his profession as a piercer to mask the sordid reality. He assaulted some women during intimate piercings, pretending the sexual touching was part of the procedure. These are invasive and intimate acts he exploited by preying on their embarrassment and vulnerability."

Saunders was also accused of harming women outside of professional settings, often contacting them after procedures. One woman, who was reportedly assaulted at Saunders' home after missing her bus, described feeling "crying, hyperventilating and scared" as she fled his flat, leaving behind her bra and socks. Prosecutors also alleged Saunders raped another woman after she confided in him following cancer treatment and assaulted a woman he met when she was 17, while she was asleep.

Additionally, the court heard that Saunders created a profile on FetLife, a social media site for BDSM and fetish communities, where he uploaded photos of piercings he performed. On this profile, he described himself as having "big hands to spank you and strength to pin you." Saunders denied these claims, asserting that they were "invented." The trial continues to determine the full extent of the allegations.