Police have released the mugshot of Philip Hamer, 34, following his conviction for a series of sexual offenses.

Hamer, a former professional ice hockey player and TV extra, was found guilty of 21 charges, including eight counts of rape. He had previously admitted to multiple sexual offenses against children.

According to prosecutors at Manchester Crown Court, Hamer preyed on seven female victims, using manipulation and grooming tactics to sexually abuse girls in their early teens. His offenses occurred between 2015 and 2022.

Prosecutor Simon Reevell indicated that while some victims were attacked only once, others endured ongoing abuse for months or even years. The jury was told, “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 prioritized his sexual desires.”

Hamer is facing a lengthy prison sentence after being found guilty on 20 of the 21 charges. Allegations against him first emerged in 2011, but a comprehensive police investigation did not begin until early 2022, triggered by a second victim contacting authorities and alleging she was raped when she was 17 or 18. Subsequent forensic examination of Hamer's phone revealed additional potential victims.

Detective Constable Denise Garde praised the victims for their bravery in coming forward. She emphasized that “time is no barrier” and assured that all victims would be listened to, regardless of when the abuse occurred.

Hamer’s offenses followed a troubling pattern; he targeted vulnerable girls, using his car to transport them to secluded locations and often requesting they wear school uniforms. Garde noted that Hamer had shown significant arrogance throughout his actions, continuing his abuse even while under police investigation.

Detectives revealed that Hamer utilized social media platforms like Snapchat and Instagram to contact potential victims directly, further illustrating his blatant disregard for his actions.

“Hamer instilled fear in his victims," Garde explained, detailing how he exploited their vulnerabilities and lack of power. The case only came to light because one courageous victim stepped forward, which allowed police to gather critical evidence of Hamer’s extensive criminal behavior.

Hamer, of Birchfield Drive, Worsley, was ultimately found guilty of offenses against five different victims. The jury returned their verdicts during the trial’s third week, with Hamer displaying no emotion as the decisions were read. When asked about public perception of his actions, Hamer claimed he understood that people would harbor hatred toward him.

His response to inquiries about his behavior included an unsettling admission: “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.”

Following his conviction, Judge Sarah Johnston remanded Hamer in custody, scheduling his sentencing for January 30, 2024.