A depraved self-styled therapist who sexually molested a vulnerable woman in her 40s by claiming intimate assaults were part of his bogus “niche treatment” has been jailed for 11 years. Gerald Peck, 77, of York Villas, Brighton, was convicted of two counts of assault by penetration and three counts of sexual assault after luring the victim into repeated abuse during so-called therapy sessions.
Peck advertised himself as a private body and energy therapist who could cure depression and physical pain. The woman, seeking relief from trauma, believed his promises. Instead, he told her skin-to-skin contact and penetration were essential to release tension, branding it legitimate treatment. In reality, Peck was no accredited psychotherapist. He was not recognised by any UK umbrella body for psychotherapy and had invented his own “niche treatment”, a court heard. In police interviews he admitted getting “carried away”.
The assaults took place over an extended period at his premises. Peck insisted the sexual acts were purely therapeutic. The victim consented only because she trusted him and believed his lies. But, as prosecutors made clear, consent obtained by deception is no consent at all.
On Wednesday 4 February 2024 at Lewes Crown Court, Peck was found guilty on all five charges. Yesterday, Thursday 12 March, the same court jailed him for 11 years, imposed a restraining order and ordered him to pay the victim £9,730 in compensation for therapy costs within ten months.
Senior Crown Prosecutor Daniel Harrison, of the CPS South East Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team, said: “Gerald Peck lied to the woman repeatedly, saying that the sexual acts were part of the therapy and not for his own sexual gratification. Although the woman consented to what happened during the so-called ‘therapy’ sessions, she was cruelly and intentionally deceived by Peck, who she trusted. Peck manipulated her into believing that there was a legitimate therapeutic need for the sexual acts.”
Detective Constable Jazz Gannon added: “The victim’s courage and determination were central to securing this sentence. Her strength has brought accountability and highlighted the critical importance of maintaining clear, ethical boundaries between therapists and those they are entrusted to support.
« We hope her bravery encourages greater awareness and stronger safeguarding within therapeutic environments.”
The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, endured months of violation before finding the strength to report him. Her evidence dismantled his claims and secured justice.
Peck will serve at least two-thirds of his sentence behind bars before any chance of release. The restraining order bans him from contacting the victim.
Anyone affected by sexual violence can report it to police via 101 or 999 in emergencies. Support is available through Sussex Police and specialist services.
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