'This is not the end of our pain and suffering.'

On January 30, at Manchester Crown Court, the courageous victims of sex attacker Philip Hamer confronted their abuser. Hamer, a former ice hockey player, was found guilty last year on 21 charges, including eight counts of rape and seven counts of sexual assault, alongside multiple admissions of sexual offences against children.

Between 2015 and 2023, Hamer preyed on seven young females, manipulating, grooming, and abusing them. His past employment included roles at Manchester United and Manchester City.

During the sentencing hearing, victims, whose identities are protected by law, shared the profound impact Hamer's acts had on their lives, recounting struggles with mental health, substance abuse, and self-harm.

Many victims were underage. Some endured single incidents, while others faced prolonged abuse. Together, their accounts reveal a calculated and manipulative predator.

'He asked me to wear my school uniform'

One survivor described how Hamer led her to believe they were in a genuine relationship, recalling, "He collected me from parties with my school friends and bought me alcohol." She expressed guilt for not bringing him to justice sooner, stating, "I felt a huge amount of guilt... I will never forget he was the first person to take this very intimate part of me."

Her experiences of abuse influenced her adult relationships, leading her to seek out patterns of abuse later in life.

'I had all innocence taken away from me'

Another victim described how Hamer's actions destroyed her innocence, stating she was a "young and happy little girl" before her abuse began. The trauma had lasting effects on her life, including a profound mistrust of men. She explained, "My ability to trust men was completely non-existent due to thinking any man who came near me would hurt me."

Detectives traced additional victims after seizing Hamer’s phone, which revealed unsolicited images sent by him. He incited victims to share hundreds of pictures and videos over seven years, leaving one fearful of Hamer disclosing these images.

Furthermore, authorities discovered voyeuristic content Hamer recorded without consent from individuals in changing rooms.

'You took advantage of me.'

A woman confronting Hamer fiercely accused him of using the loss of his father to justify his actions, asserting, "How dare you exploit the loss of a family member? You took advantage of me." She concluded, "This is not the end of our pain and suffering."

Hamer now faces a total of 48 counts and is anticipated to receive a significant sentence. Judge Sarah Johnston has adjourned the final sentencing until next week, with Hamer remanded in custody.