A Worsley man has been found guilty of committing sexual offences against eight victims.
Philip Hamer, 34, of Birchfield Drive, was found guilty of offences that took place between 2010 and 2023.
Hamer had already admitted to several offences but following a trial he has now been found guilty of a further 21 charges.
The charges include 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.
Today (Friday 29 November) Hamer was found guilty of 33 charges by a jury at Manchester Crown Court.
Hamer will be sentenced on Thursday 30 January 2025.
The 34-year-old man worked as an ice hockey player and had appeared on television shows as an extra.
Detectives said he was known to use 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.
The evidence showed that he would send unsolicited pictures to his victims and also tracked their movements.
Over seven years he incited his victims to send him hundreds of pictures and videos, with one victim saying they feared Hamer may disclose the pictures to others or come to her home.
After the verdict 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.
“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.”
DC Denise Garde continued: “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.
“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.
As she continued: “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.
“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.”
Detective Constable Garde shared the GMP’s unwavering commitment to protecting victims of sexual abuse.
The DC continued: “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.”
Victims can call police on 101 or 999 in an emergency or report on the website, (www.gmp.police.uk).
Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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