Former soap extra jailed for a string of sex offences carried out over more than a decade
Philip Hamer targeted women and underage girls - asking many of them to wear their school uniforms
Last updated 5th Feb 2025
A former ice hockey player from Worsley has been jailed for 28 years for a number of sexual offences carried out over a 13 year period.
34-year-old Philip Hamer of Birchfield Drive was charged on 6 March 2024 with 33 counts of sexual offences against eight victims between 2010 and 2023.
Hamer admitted several offences, but following a trial he was found guilty of a further 21 charges.
The included 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.
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.
One victim said Hamer "took away her innocence"
She said: “The man who made me feel so ashamed of myself for so many years. The man that made me feel disgusted in myself. The man that made me feel so lonely as I was too afraid to open up to anyone, I couldn’t even speak to my mum, my friends, my family.
“He made me feel fear, distress and trauma no young girl should have to go through. He took away my spark and gave me so much anxiety.
“For years I was too ashamed to look at myself in the mirror, as all I saw was the girl that man lusted over.
“He will never earn my forgiveness for what he did to me. He doesn’t deserve it. But I am no longer going to let him have a hold on my life like he once did.
“I can now continue to succeed in life, knowing I finally have the justice me and the other girls whose lives he impacted deserve.
“This man changed the course of my life, what he did to me impacted on my schooling massively and it isolated me from my friendship group.
“When I should have been enjoying school, growing up having new experiences with friends, I was controlled by that man, making me believe that he would disclose my worst secrets to my friends.
“This impacted on my relationships, making me feel guilty for what he did to me.”
Speaking after Hamer was found guilty, 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.”
Support Available
If you or someone you know has been a victim of rape or sexual assault, there are lots of organisations and support agencies available across Greater Manchester and nationally that can help and provide support for you.
St. Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre - Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]
Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.