Scarz and Barz piercing victim denies copying claims

The woman, who was 20, when she had her nipples pierced by Paul Saunders at his “Scarz and Barz” studio in the town’s Eagle Street, denied copying allegations made by other women.

She said she was being truthful about Saunders saying she had “nice breasts” and flicking her nipples while cleaning and marking her skin in preparation for the piercings.

Asked by prosecution counsel Anwar Nashashibi, what she thought about a suggestion that she was copying allegations made by other alleged victims she said: “ I think it’s appalling”.

Body piercer Paul Saunders denies all charges. Picture: East Anglia News Service (Image: East Anglia News Service) Saunders, 51, of Eagle Street, has denied three offences of rape, six offences of sexual assault and one of assault by penetration.

The offences relate to nine women and are alleged to have been committed between June 2012 and February 2020.

The court heard the offences came to light after some of Saunders alleged victims set up a private Facebook group called  ‘Safe Space’ was set up for anyone who had allegedly suffered at his hands to share their experiences with others.

The court heard that when Saunders was interviewed by police he denied sexually assaulting customers and said that any sexual intercourse that took place was consensual.

It has been alleged by the prosecution that Saunders was a “cunning and manipulative sexual predator” who preyed on young customers.

 Saunders allegedly exploited the weaknesses of women who trusted him while carrying out intimate piercings.

“He was a personality, a man of status and a man to be trusted, but unbeknown to many, something sinister lurked behind. Mr Saunders was sexually aroused by his work,” said Rossano Scamardella KC, prosecuting.

The trial continues.