An Ipswich tattooist and body piercer accused of raping or sexually assaulting nine women allegedly told one of the women she had “nice breasts”, a court has heard.

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, also claimed that Saunders had ‘flicked” her nipples while cleaning and marking them before carrying out the piercings.

Giving evidence at Ipswich Crown Court on Monday (October 21) the woman said that she had her nipples pierced by Saunders in 2015 and denied that when he was explaining the procedure to her he had told her to let him know if she was uncomfortable with anything.

Cross-examined by Saunder’s barrister Vanessa Marshall KC the alleged victim denied that she had said something about her breasts before Saunders made the remark.

She also denied exaggerating when she claimed Saunders had marked up her breasts four times before piercing them.

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’ 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.

He alleged that an unusual feature of Saunders’ offending behaviour was his habit of hugging customers who had nipple piercings before they put their tops on.

The trial continues.