Man jailed for 36 years for sexual offences against young girls

Philip Hamer (13/08/1990) from Worsley, has today (Wednesday 5 February 2025) been sentenced to 36 years for sexual offences against seven victims. He is also subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, indefinite restraining orders against the victims, he is barred from working with children, and he will be placed on the sex offenders register for life. 

The charges relate to offences taking place between 2010 and 2023.

He pleaded guilty to several charges before trial. Following a trial in November 2024, Hamer was found guilty by a majority verdict of a further 21 charges, including eight counts of rape; six 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. In total, he was convicted of 41 charges. 

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.

In a powerful victim impact statement read out in court, one victim explained the physical and mental toil the abuse at the hands of Hamer had taken on her.

One victim said: “Philip Hamer, the man who took away my innocence at such a young age.

“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.”

Detective Constable Denise Garde said: “Philip Hamer is a sexual predator. Hamer would send unsolicited pictures to his victims and also tracked their movements.

“In his police interview, Hamer showed a denial for any wrongdoing in his actions. He did not believe that he was a sexual predator and that his actions caused severe harm and distress to his victims.

“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.

“After seizing his devices, we later found voyeuristic videos and pictures Hamer had taken of people in changing rooms who were not aware they were being filmed.

“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.

“Time is no barrier when it comes to being sexually abused – no matter how long ago it was, or how old you were at the time, we will listen to you. We will support you, investigate, and act robustly against perpetrators. We will take your allegations seriously and treat you with dignity and respect.”

Greater Manchester Police can be contacted via 101 or through the Live Chat function on the website, www.gmp.police.uk. Reports can also be made anonymously through the independent charity – Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Remember – if in doubt, report it.

If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.

- 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 [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.