**Former Hollyoaks Actor and Ice Hockey Star Sentenced to 28 Years in Prison for Sexual Offences**
Philip Hamer, a former ice hockey player and TV extra, has been sentenced to 28 years in prison for committing 41 sexual offences against seven young girls. The victims of the 34-year-old burst into tears and clapped as the judge delivered the sentence at Manchester Crown Court. Hamer, who previously played professional hockey and appeared on TV soaps, was described as having a “wholly distorted view of children as sexual objects” by the court.
His modus operandi involved using social media platforms such as Snapchat and Instagram to manipulate and groom girls in their early to mid-teens before sexually abusing them. The first victim was groomed in 2010 when Hamer was 20 and she was just 14. Another victim, only 11 years old at the time, was targeted through Snapchat when Hamer was 27. Despite admitting to 20 offences, Hamer denied others, claiming one victim was “sexually experienced”.
After a trial in November, Hamer was found guilty of a further 21 offences. The judge, Sarah Johnston, emphasised that the relationships were not consensual, but rather manipulative and coercive acts by Hamer. Victim impact statements revealed the lasting trauma experienced by the survivors, including struggles with alcohol, self-harm, and difficulties forming healthy relationships.
During the trial, it emerged that Hamer would send unsolicited pictures to his victims and had a penchant for school uniforms in his sexual desires. He often lured his victims to isolated locations using his car where the abuse took place. Police found voyeuristic videos and images taken without consent in changing rooms on Hamer’s devices.
Despite initial allegations made against him in 2011, no police investigation was undertaken until one victim bravely came forward in 2023. This led to the discovery of more victims and evidence of Hamer’s extensive history of sexual abuse. Detective Constable Denise Garde highlighted the importance of reporting sexual abuse and assured victims of support and respect throughout the investigative process.
The sentencing of Philip Hamer serves as a stark reminder of the prevalence of sexual predators in society and the importance of empowering victims to come forward and seek justice. Resilience and bravery demonstrated by survivors play a crucial role in holding perpetrators accountable and preventing further harm to vulnerable individuals.
**Insights:**
This case highlights the insidious nature of grooming and sexual abuse, especially when perpetrated by individuals in positions of influence or trust. The bravery of survivors in speaking out against their abuser is commendable and underscores the importance of offering support and believing victims. The criminal justice system must continue to prioritise the protection of vulnerable individuals and hold offenders accountable for their actions to prevent further harm in our communities.