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Mug shot of tattoo con artist

Andrew Nott
9/ 9/2004

THIS could be Britain's most dim-witted thief.

The man conned a tattoo artist to give him a tiger design on his shoulder and then he promptly ran off without paying.

But before he made his escape, the crook allowed his victim to take two photographs of the design, both clearly showing his face.

Now police have issued two pictures in an attempt to identify the thief.

He walked into the Red Sea Tattoo Studio, Oxford Road, Manchester, using a suspected alias, Tommy Ward and asked about having a fierce beast tattoo.

Tattooist Lawrence said: "I suggested he go to the library to research what he wanted doing. Fierce creatures are usually lions, tigers, wolves or dragons and he came back a little later with some photocopies.

"We settled on a tiger design and I did the work for which I charged '60.

"He said his money was in his car and went to get it while I was busy doing something else - and I didn't see him again.

"But before he left, he agreed to be photographed for my archive and I gave the likeness to the police."

If anyone does recognise the man, who, besides the tiger on his left shoulder, has the word "Brandon" on his chest, they are asked to contact Greenheys CID on 0161 856 4422.