A TATTOO artist has been jailed for a series of sexual offences against three women.

Mark Hylands exposed himself and engaged in sexualised and offensive behaviour against three women while working at tattoo shops in Eastbourne and Hastings.

The 30-year-old also carried out a number of sexual assaults.

Female customers complained about approaches to them by Hylands.

Hylands assaulted two women in Eastbourne and another in Hastings.

The Argus: Mark Hylands, of Bramley Road, Polegate Mark Hylands, of Bramley Road, Polegate

He was also unpleasant to staff and customers, a court heard.

In January 2020, four years after the offences began, his behaviour was reported to the police and an investigation began.

Hylands, of Bramley Road, Polegate, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for seven sexual assaults and three counts of exposure.

He was found not guilty on three other counts of sexual assault and of one exposure.

Hylands will be a registered sex offender indefinitely and was given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) to last until further court order.

This prohibits him from contacting his victims and from taking any paid work without police agreement.

Detective Sergeant Chris Milner, of Hastings CID, said: "This investigation shows how we will actively take every opportunity to pursue those who prey upon and assault women, and the support we can give victims to help ensure they can provide their evidence and attend court."