Man with 'DEVAST8' face tattoo decides to keep it after starting new job

Mark Cropp offered dozens of jobs after pleading with employers to look past his facial design

A teenager who complained that he was unable to get a job because he had the word "DEVAST8" tattooed across his face has decided to keep the ink design after all.

Mark Cropp, a father from New Zealand, said he was happy not have the prominent tattoo removed as he is now employed by a construction firm in Kingsland.

It comes after he took to Facebook last month to beg employers to look past his tattoo, which was drunkenly inked by his brother while both men were serving time in jail.

Mr Cropp received dozens of job offers overnight and accepted one to have the tattoo removed for free by the Sacred Laser clinic in his hometown. The 12-week process is believed to cost over $3,000 (£1,700).

However, he opted to cancel the removal shortly after the '8' had been lasered away, according to New Zealand Herald.

Mark Cropp (New Zealand Herald) (New Zealand Herald screengrab)

Mr Cropp had one character removed in a lasering session (New Zealand Herald)

Mr Cropp initially delayed the remainder of the process until he was used to his night shift hours doing scaffolding. He said that, now he has a job, he would prefer to keep out of the media spotlight.

The 19-year-old was serving a two-year jail term for aggravated robbery when his brother, who was his cell mate, gave him the tattoo which was supposed to be smaller and go along his jawline.

His brother used a makeshift needle made from a straightened spring and cassette player gun and ink made from burnt plastic cutlery, toothpaste and water.

"I'm excited and so grateful for it. I have been feeling quite emotional about the fact people have offered me so much help," Mr Cropp told Metro after the first lasering session.

"I have been really pleased by everything, it has all moved so much faster than how I thought it would have. It is quite overwhelming really."