Ex-ice hockey player and TV extra tells trial he understands why people may have 'a lot of hatred' for him after admitting sexual offences against children

A former professional ice hockey player and TV extra who has admitted committing sexual offences against children said he understood people may have ‘a lot of hatred’ for him.

Philip Hamer, 34, from Salford, gave evidence in his defence for the first time. Jurors at Manchester Crown Court were told Hamer has already pleaded guilty to a number of offences, including engaging in sexual activity with four teenage girls.

He is currently standing trial accused of sexually assaulting and raping a string of women and girls. The allegations, which he denies, concern six complainants in total.

READ MORE: Ex-footballer, 31, jailed for his role in a £250million drugs conspiracy

Hamer, who also worked at Manchester City and Manchester United, was asked if he understood how ‘right thinking people’ would view the behaviour which he has 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.”

“Would they be right in their assessment?,” his barrister Richard English asked the defendant. “Yes, I believe they would,” he replied.

Asked why he committed the crimes he has 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 asked what the difference was between the charges he has admitted and the offences he continues to deny. Hamer said: “I accept my guilt of the charges I believe I have definitely committed.

“I believe I have got to fight for the things I didn’t do, that’s why I am here.” Hamer denied allegations made by the complaints, and insisted any sexual interaction had been consensual.

Hamer told the jury he is from Boothstown in Salford, and that he had left school aged 13 without any qualifications after the death of his father impacted his studies. Hamer said he then got a job at a shop near Altrincham ice rink, before going on to play roller hockey and ice hockey.

Asked if he was ‘any good’, he said: “Yes, I was ok, I think.” When asked if he was paid to play, Hamer replied: “Some occasions yes, and sometimes just for the love of the game.”

Hamer said he later became a letting agent and then began work as an extra for TV shows including Coronation Street and Hollyoaks. He said he’d also worked for Manchester United as part of the club's ‘executive welcome team’, assisting fans at the stadium. Hamer said he also worked at Manchester City’s ‘fan zone’ and on other events.

Hamer, of Birchfield Drive, Worsley, faces charges relating to six alleged victims - 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.

The trial continues