In 2018, the Offender Database recorded that 30-year-old tattoo artist Kris Nilsson was jailed for 18 years for a series of sickening sex attacks on a schoolgirl. Nilsson—of Ashfield, Jarrow, Tyne and Wear—was sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court. It was reported that the investigation was launched after the young victim found the courage to report the planned attacks, during which she had begged Nilsson to stop while he used threats to ensure her silence.
The investigation established that Nilsson had a “long-standing sexual interest” in young girls and used grooming tactics to normalise his behaviour. Newcastle Crown Court heard that he showed the child sexual abuse images and claimed he had performed similar acts on others to ensure her compliance. The prosecution reported that when police seized his computer, they discovered 61 child abuse images, which Nilsson unsuccessfully tried to blame on other tattoo artists who frequented his workspace.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Nilsson’s actions had “permanently altered the course” of the victim’s life for his own selfish gratification. Newcastle Crown Court heard that a jury found him guilty of 14 offences in total, including two counts of rape and six counts of sexual assault on a child under 13. The investigation established that the victim’s mother described the ordeal as “torturous,” noting that her daughter remains afraid to play outside for fear that her abuser will find her again.
Mr Recorder Nicholas Lumley QC presided over the sentencing, handing Nilsson an 18-year custodial term. For his actions in Jarrow and South Tyneside, he was labelled a high risk of harm to children and ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life. The judge noted that Nilsson had robbed the girl of her childhood innocence, and a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) was imposed to ensure he could never again be in a position to target vulnerable minors.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the records reported in Tyne and Wear, the status of Kris Nilsson as of April 5, 2026, was as follows:
- Custodial Status: SERVING (18-year term; sentenced 2018).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active for life.
- SHPO Status: Sexual Harm Prevention Order active for life.
- DBS Status: Placed on the Barring List (Indefinite ban on working with children).
- Legal Status: CONVICTED (Rape; Sexual assault on a child under 13; Making indecent photographs; 14 counts total).
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court; investigated by Northumbria Police.
- Criminal Record: Two counts of rape; Six counts of sexual assault; Possession of 61 child abuse images; Use of threats to silence a victim.
- Origin: Ashfield, Jarrow, Tyne and Wear.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Nilsson is managed as a maximum-risk registered sex offender within the prison estate and will remain a top priority for the Northumbria Police Public Protection Unit upon any eventual release. Due to the nature of his conduct—specifically his use of “planned” attacks and the psychological manipulation of a schoolgirl—his management is a critical priority. Authorities state that his history of trying to shift blame onto colleagues indicates a total lack of accountability for his predatory actions.
As a registered sex offender for life, the (then) 30-year-old’s details are permanently logged on the national police database. Authorities state that his lifelong SHPO will prevent him from ever working in any environment where children are present, including mobile tattoo services. Any failure to notify police of his movements in Jarrow, any attempt to contact his victim, or any unauthorized proximity to schools will result in immediate arrest to ensure the ongoing safety of the public from his demonstrated pattern of “selfish gratification” through child abuse.
QUESTION – Given that the offender used his computer to view 61 child abuse images while working as a tattoo artist, do you believe that “Workplace Digital Audits” should be a mandatory legal requirement for all licensed tattoo studios to prevent the grooming of young clients?
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.