Male Escort Sentenced for Genital Removal

A male escort has been sentenced to five years in prison after surgically removing another man's genitals with his consent for a pay-per-view broadcast.

Damien Byrnes, 36, carried out the procedure using a kitchen knife on Marius Gustavson in 2017.

Byrnes, together with Jacob Crimi-Appleby, 23, who caused Gustavson's leg to be amputated by freezing it with dry ice, and Nathaniel Arnold, 48, who partially removed a nipple, all pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Crimi-Appleby received a three-year, eight-month sentence, while Arnold was given a two-year suspended sentence.

The trio's actions are linked to an extreme body modification subculture seeking "nullos," or genital nullification. They were among 10 individuals charged with extreme body modification crimes, as told by Prosecutor Caroline Carberry KC.

Gustavson, self-named "the eunuch-maker," has been involved in numerous similar surgeries and faces his own sentencing.

Byrnes had agreed to perform the mutilation for £500, later reduced to £50. Although graphic video evidence was not shown in court, Byrnes audibly treated the act as a bucket list accomplishment and expected payment, later resorting to threats when not compensated.

Crimi-Appleby's and Arnold's admissions also included involvement in separate body modification incidents, with Arnold also convicted for stealing anaesthetic and possessing extreme pornography.

Despite claiming financial duress and subsequent remorse, Byrnes and his cohorts were condemned for participating in illegal surgeries, which the CPS underscores cannot be justified by consent in non-medical settings.

The Met Police's investigation involved extensive efforts, and victims of similar incidents are urged to seek help and contact the authorities.