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

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

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.