MICHAEL HAMER SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS IN PRISON FOR BLACKBURN SEXUAL ASSAULTS AND STALKING
In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Blackburn community, Michael Hamer, a resident of Blackburn, has been sentenced to a decade behind bars for a series of terrifying sexual assaults and stalking incidents targeting women in the area.The court heard how Hamer, described by authorities as a 'dangerous' predator, meticulously stalked his victims—women walking alone—before violently dragging them off the street into secluded bushes, where he attempted to silence them by covering their mouths with his hand to prevent screams, and then attacking them.
The investigation was sparked by the first assault, which occurred on the evening of September 13 last year.
A 13-year-old girl was walking along Whalley New Road around 8:30 pm when Hamer followed her for some distance.
He then approached her near Perry’s Garage, where he forcibly dragged her into nearby bushes.
There, he assaulted her, leaving her traumatized and terrified.
The police quickly launched an investigation into this incident, which eventually led to further revelations.
Less than a month later, on October 16 at approximately 4:15 pm, Hamer targeted a second victim, a 25-year-old woman walking along Norbreck Close.
After following her for some time, he seized the opportunity to grab her, pulling her into the undergrowth on wasteland nearby.
He attempted to commit a sexual assault, specifically trying to rape her.
However, the woman displayed remarkable bravery, fighting him off by hitting him and managing to scratch his chest during the struggle.
Her resistance caused Hamer to flee the scene when a young boy happened to pass by, which interrupted his attack.
Following these incidents, police officers conducted a thorough investigation.
CCTV footage captured Hamer’s movements, and officers recovered clothing he discarded as he made his way back to Walsh Street after the second assault.
The evidence led to his arrest a few days later.
Hamer, a self-employed gardener, later pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault on a child and attempted rape.
During the trial, the court learned that Hamer had previously faced charges related to the rape of a 17-year-old girl in Blackburn in June 2008, but he was acquitted by a jury at that time.
Judge Jonathan Gibson, presiding at Burnley Crown Court, sentenced Hamer to an extended term of imprisonment.
This means he will serve ten years in prison, followed by an additional eight years on license, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the threat he posed to public safety.
The judge’s decision underscores the importance of protecting vulnerable women and girls from predators like Hamer.
After the sentencing, Detective Constable Dan Perkins expressed his relief and concern.
He stated, “Hamer was certainly a dangerous person to have in public and there may be other victims that have not come forward.
He was prepared to stalk his victims and he was willing to abduct them off the street.
Even if you take a person off the path they are walking on for a short period of time, that is still an action of abduction.
Hamer had the intention to commit serious sexual offences on young girls and women.
It is a woman’s worst nightmare.
He chose petite women to make his offences easier.
He dragged them off into bushes with his hand over their mouths on both occasions.
They must have been absolutely terrified.
I am very happy with the sentence.
It is a big plus for making the streets safer.”
