He was 'almost arrogant' when committing his crimes - now he's where he belongs

The mugshot of sex beast Philip Hamer has been released as police commended the bravery of his victims.

Former professional ice hockey player and TV extra Hamer, 34, was today (Friday) found guilty of 21 charges, including eight counts of rape. He had already admitted a host of sexual offences against children.

In total, seven females became Hamer’s victims. Hamer, who also had jobs at Manchester United and Manchester City, was responsible for the ‘manipulation, grooming and sexual abuse of female children in their early teens', prosecutors told Manchester Crown Court.

READ MORE: Ex-ice hockey player and Coronation Street extra GUILTY of sickening rapes and abuse

Hamer, who has appeared on shows including Coronation Street and Hollyoaks, preyed on his victims between 2015 and last year.

"Some were attacked on a single occasion, for others their ordeal lasted for months or even years,” prosecutor Simon Reevell had told the jury at Manchester Crown Court.

“What is common to all of the offending is the attitude of Mr Hamer towards the woman or child in question – one of utter indifference as to whether or not his advances were welcome as he simply prioritised his sexual desires."

He is now facing a long prison sentence after being found guilty of all but one of the charges he faced. Allegations were first made against Hamer in 2011 but a 'full police investigation' only commenced early last year when a second accuser got in touch with police and alleged she was raped by him when she was 17 or 18. When police seized the defendant's phone, it was examined and 'further potential victims were identified'.

A senior police officer has now said that one victim coming forward to detail their abuse "opened up the whole case."

Speaking following Hamer's conviction, 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.”

Hamer, of Birchfield Drive, Worsley, was found guilty of 21 charges committed against five different victims, including eight counts of rape concerning three victims.

Guilty verdicts were returned during the third week of the trial. Hamer showed no emotion as the unanimous guilty verdicts were recorded. Giving evidence in his defence, Hamer was asked if he understood how ‘right thinking people’ would view the behaviour which he had admitted. He said: “I think they would have a lot of hatred towards me, and think it’s not somebody they would want to associate themselves with.”

Asked why he committed the crimes he had admitted, Hamer told the jury: “I believe that I am capable of acting like a 30-year-old man at times.

“I think I am also capable of acting a bit like a teenager, a little bit immature at times. I think I possibly did some things out of loneliness.”

He was remanded in custody by Judge Sarah Johnston ahead of his sentencing on January 30 next year.

Where to go if you've been affected by rape or sexual assault

- Saint 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 help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk

- We Are Survivors provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182 for help.

- Always call 999 in an emergency