A tattoo artist who worked at a studio in Northampton has died after he was attacked outside the Xscape centre in Milton Keynes.
Joe Kent, 24, died earlier today at Milton Keynes Hospital where he was being treated following the incident early on Sunday morning. Two other men, aged 22 and 25, were also injured by have since been discharged from hospital.
Three men aged 25, 26 and 22 were charged with one count of GBH and two counts of ABH following the assault and appeared at Milton Keynes Magistrates’ Court earlier today.
Mr Kent, who was married and lived in Milton Keynes, worked at the Lucky 13 tattoo studio in Kingsthorpe. A profile piece on Mr Kent on the BigTattooPlanet.com website said he had worked in the industry for six years, starting as front of house, before training to be a tattoo artist. The profile piece said his passion was for “colour work, and Old & New Skook traditional work and Japanese”.
News of the tragedy quickly spread on social media websites this evening, with friends paying tribute and giving their sympathies to his family. One comment on Facebook read: “Joe was a darling, gentle man who never did anything to deserve this. Sleep well Joe xxxx”. Another on Twitter said: “We love you Joe Kent. Rest in peace, watch over us and your amazing wife. Please continue to send her all the strength she needs.”
The three men who appeared before magistrates have been remanded in custody and will appear at Aylesbury Crown Court on January 22.
Chief Inspector Gill Wootton, senior investigating officer, said this evening: “Our thoughts are with the family of the victim at this difficult time.
“In light of the tragic death of the victim, we will be reviewing the charges after examination of the results of the post mortem and medical evidence in conjunction with the CPS.
“The police are continuing to investigate this incident and we would urge anyone who has information or concerns relevant to the inquiry to call us.”
Call 101 if you have any information.
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