An Argentinian tattoo artist operating in Ibiza has been sentenced to five years in prison for the sexual assault of a young British holidaymaker. Edgardo Jesus Milessi Oviedo, 50, was found guilty of attacking the 21-year-old woman while tattooing her in June 2022.
The Shocking Assault in the Tattoo Parlour
The Provincial Court of the Balearic Islands heard that the incident occurred on 15 June 2022 at a tattoo studio in San Jose, Ibiza. The victim and a friend had visited the parlour to get matching butterfly tattoos on their hips. While the friend waited in an adjoining room, the victim was alone with Milessi in a small room containing a couch.
The court's written sentence, issued after a trial on 4 November, detailed that "a few minutes after starting the tattoo, taking advantage of the victim's position and the fact that she was not wearing knickers, the defendant while tattooing her, inserted his left fingers into her vagina without her consent." The judges stated the assault lasted for approximately 25 uninterrupted minutes.
A Paralyzing Fear and a Fight for Justice
The ruling described how the victim suffered "great distress and fear" and was "unable to react to what was happening, remaining paralysed, fearing that the defendant might do something worse if she moved." After returning home to Scotland, the courageous tourist reported the crime to police, leading to Milessi's arrest on 11 August 2022.
During his one-day trial in Palma, Majorca, Milessi protested his innocence. State prosecutors had demanded a six-year prison term. The court, however, handed down a five-year sentence and highlighted the victim's testimony as "coherent and persistent." It was also revealed that Milessi has a previous conviction for a similar offence.
Sentence and Ongoing Legal Ramifications
In addition to the prison term, the judges imposed a seven-year restraining order, banning Milessi from communicating with or approaching within 300 metres of the victim. He was also ordered to pay €15,000 (approximately £13,000) in compensation for the damages caused.
Milessi, who had been on bail since the trial awaiting sentencing, has been told he can appeal the verdict. If he does so, he is likely to remain on bail until the appeal process concludes. The case serves as a stark warning about predatory behaviour targeting tourists in popular holiday destinations and the importance of victims coming forward to seek justice.
