Disturbing details emerge as Damien Byrnes sentenced to five years for mutilating Marius Gustavson

In a shocking case of extreme body modification, Damien Byrnes, an escort, has been sentenced to five years in jail for cutting off the penis of Marius Gustavson, the ringleader of an unconventional body modifications group. Byrnes, admitting to the gruesome act with a kitchen knife, referred to it as “one off the bucket list.”

The court heard that Byrnes, 36, from Tottenham, North London, was initially hired for sexual services by Gustavson, 46, who led an extreme body modifications group. Gustavson had subjected himself to numerous procedures, often filmed and posted on his “eunuch maker” website for financial gain.

Byrnes, originally enlisted for sexual services, eventually agreed to mutilate Gustavson for £500. The disturbing act was filmed for Gustavson’s profit-making website. However, Byrnes, expressing concern about potential complications, initially hesitated, stating, “won’t you loose (sic) a lot of blood, like nearly die.” Gustavson assured him he would be anaesthetized and instructed Byrnes on what to do.

Two days before the procedure, Gustavson claimed to be cutting another person and suggested Byrnes could be a “sexy, kinky helper.” However, when Gustavson reduced the financial offer, Byrnes expressed dissatisfaction, saying, “I’ve had enough man. I’m cutting your cock and balls off for 50 shitty quid when I was led to believe it’s 500.”

The prosecution argued that despite Gustavson’s apparent consent and encouragement, the defendants were “willing participants.” Byrnes left after the procedure, and Gustavson called emergency services, claiming, “I tried to do some surgery on my cock.” The victim was treated in the hospital, discharged after a couple of days, and referred for psychiatric assessment.

Financial records revealed that Gustavson had paid Byrnes over £1,500 over two years. Threatened by Byrnes with police involvement when he didn’t receive payment, Gustavson retaliated by threatening to report him for “threats, blackmail, and cutting off my cock.”

The court heard that Gustavson had played a “pivotal role” in these extreme procedures, posting graphic videos on his website. Byrnes, Jacob Crimi-Appleby, and nurse Nathan Arnold were sentenced for causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Gustavson. Crimi-Appleby, 23, was imprisoned for three years and eight months for freezing Gustavson’s leg, leading to its amputation. Arnold, 48, received a suspended sentence and rehabilitation for partially removing Gustavson’s nipple.

Judge Mark Lucraft KC emphasized the “disgusting and abhorrent” nature of the offences, stating that performing such procedures outside a hospital or sterile environment posed life-threatening risks. Gustavson, having pleaded guilty to charges including conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm, will be sentenced with others in March.

The court rejected defense arguments that the unique circumstances warranted different sentencing considerations. Despite Byrnes’ traumatic upbringing and drug addiction, the judge stated that the harm caused by the procedures required hospital treatment to “put things right.” The Crown Prosecution Service highlighted the complexity of the case and reiterated that consent did not justify illegal surgical procedures in non-sterile and life-threatening circumstances.