Man found guilty of sexual offences against eight victims
Philip Hamer, a 34-year-old from Worsley, has been found guilty of 33 sexual offences, including rape and sexual assault, against eight victims between 2010 and 2023. He used social media to groom and manipulate his victims, many of whom were teenagers. Hamer's crimes included voyeurism, coercion, and exploiting his victims' vulnerabilities. He will be sentenced in January 2025. Authorities praised the bravery of the victims who came forward and urged others to report similar crimes.
Philip Hamer, 34, faces a lengthy prison term after a Manchester Crown Court jury convicted him of 33 sexual offences against eight victims, including eight rapes, following a trial that ended Friday.
The court heard the former ice-hockey player, of Birchfield Drive, Worsley, used Snapchat and Instagram to groom teenagers between 2010 and 2023, sending unsolicited images and tracking their movements. Police seized Hamer’s phone after one victim came forward, uncovering hundreds of coerced images and voyeuristic footage shot in changing rooms without the victims’ knowledge. Officers said his car was routinely stocked with towels and wipes so he could drive girls in school uniform to isolated locations.
Detective Constable Denise Garde praised the “bravery” of those who testified, noting many survivors now struggle with self-harm, alcohol abuse and fear that Hamer could appear at their homes. “Time is no barrier when it comes to being sexually abused - no matter how long ago it was, or how old you were at the time, we will listen to you,” she said. Hamer, who also worked as a television extra and assaulted an actress on set, will be sentenced on 30 January 2025.
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