Tanning studio owner imprisoned following incident where a teenage girl fainted on a sunbed, resulting in severe burns on her face and body.
Updated Article
Eight minutes into a tanning session, a 15-year-old schoolgirl blacked out and was left with excruciating burns on her face and body while visiting Abyss Tanning Studio in Middlesbrough.
Disturbing images shared by the council reveal the teenager's severely blistered skin, an ordeal that left her with lifelong scars. The tragic incident occurred during her second visit in two days, with no age or skin type checks carried out.
Ryan Sihra, the 26-year-old owner of the tanning salon, was sentenced to 20 weeks in jail at a hearing held at Teesside Magistrates' Court. Middlesbrough Council disclosed that Sihra had failed to conduct mandatory age and safety checks.
The tanning bed lacked an emergency cord for customers to use in case of emergency. The devastating burns necessitated multiple plastic surgery procedures, and the girl is still undergoing treatment three years after the incident.
In a heartrending impact statement, the teen recounted her emotional turmoil. "When I stepped out of the sunbed, I could see by my sister's face that I needed immediate medical attention, but I had no idea my treatment would last three years, and it's still not complete," she lamented.
Outside the court, the girl's mother expressed gratitude for the tireless efforts made by the Environmental Health and Trading Standards teams. "It's a step towards her healing process," she said.
Councilor Janet Thompson, Middlesbrough Council's Executive member for Neighbourhoods, warned against taking tanning salons' safety for granted. "This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder of the consequences that can arise when salon owners disregard age restrictions and safety regulations," Thompson said.
Sihra, a resident of Harrogate Crescent, Middlesbrough, was charged with two offenses under the Health and Safety at Work Act. Despite the regulations in place, the tanning industry in the UK faces issues such as high usage among young adults aged 18-24, rebranding sunbeds as part of wellness routines, and a lack of mandates for session limits, protective eyewear, and equipment radiation.
- The health implications of tanning became a topic of general news discussions, especially after a teenager suffered severe burns and skin conditions while using a tanning bed at a studio in 2022.
- If proper safety checks had been conducted, the teenager might have avoided the excruciating burns that left her with lifelong scars and necessitated multiple plastic surgery procedures for her skin care.
- The tragedy underscores the importance of prioritizing health and wellness, including mental health, as the teen recounted her emotional turmoil in a heartrending impact statement.
- The tanning industry has faced criticism due to the high usage among young adults and attempts to rebrand sunbeds as part of health and wellness routines, while lack of mandates for session limits, protective eyewear, and equipment radiation remain issues.
- The owner of the tanning salon, Ryan Sihra, was sentenced to 20 weeks in jail, highlighting the importance of complying with rules regarding health-and-wellness-related services, crime, and justice.
- Sihra, during his trial, was charged with two offenses under the Health and Safety at Work Act, emphasizing the role of science and medical-conditions in regulating tanning beds and other health-related equipment.
- Post-sentencing, the council issued a warning to all tanning salon owners to prioritize safety regulations to prevent similar tragedies, emphasizing the need for age checks, emergency equipment, and proper skin care.
