A 34 year old Worsley man has been found guilty of 22 sexual offences against eight victims over a period of 13 years between 2010 and 2023
Philip Hamer of Birchfield Drive had already admitted several offences but following a trial he has now been found guilty of a further 21 charges, including eight counts of rape; seven counts of sexual assault; six counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity; and one count of sexual activity with a child.
Hamer was found guilty of 33 charges by a jury at a trial which concluded at Manchester Crown Court today
Detectives investigating Hamer found he used social media apps to target and make contact with his victims by manipulating and grooming them. Many of Hamer’s victims were teenagers at the time they were abused.
After one victim came forward, Hamer’s phone was seized which enabled police to trace further victims.
Hamer would send unsolicited pictures to his victims and also tracked their movements.
He incited his victims to send him hundreds of pictures and videos over a period of seven years. One victim was in fear that Hamer may disclose the pictures to others or come to their address.
Officers later found voyeuristic videos and pictures Hamer had taken of people in changing rooms who were not aware they were being filmed.
Hamer worked as an ice hockey player and had appeared on television shows as an extra. He sexually assaulted an actress while on set of one show.
Hamer will be sentenced on Thursday 30 January 2025.
Detective Constable Denise Garde said: “Firstly, I would like to commend the bravery of those victims who came forward and reported their abuse to us. Time is no barrier when it comes to being sexually abused – no matter how long ago it was, or old you were at the time, we will listen to you.
“Much of Hamer’s offending followed a similar theme – he was sexually attracted to girls in their early to mid-teens, his car was often used to take his victims to isolated places and was routinely stocked with towels and wipes. His sexual desires involved his victims wearing school uniforms.
“He persisted in offending despite knowing that he was the subject of a police investigation into underage sexual activity, such was his arrogance to fulfil his sexual desires.
“Hamer was almost arrogant in his efforts – he used Snapchat and Instagram to approach victims on social media, using his real name and sent them direct messages with little attempt to disguise who he was.
“Victims have suffered with mental health issues, self-harming and alcohol abuse all because of Hamer’s abhorrent actions.
“Hamer managed to instil fear in his victims – he was much older than them, he offered them lifts in his car so he knew where they lived. He groomed the victims and survivors at the centre of their case, instilled fear, and exploited their vulnerabilities.
“It took one brave victim to come forward, speak to our officers and detail their abuse. This opened up the whole case and resulted in us obtaining evidence that Hamer was a prolific sex offender.
“Our commitment to protecting victims of sexual abuse is unwavering. Speaking out about sexual abuse is incredibly difficult, but I ask that those who believe they are going through something similar, report this to us. We will support you, investigate, and act robustly against perpetrators. We will take your allegations seriously and treat you with dignity and respect.”
