Depraved ‘therapist’ molested patient with his own ‘niche treatment’ | UK | News
A self-described depraved therapist who sexually assaulted a vulnerable woman in her 40s, claiming the intimate attacks were part of a bogus “niche treatment”, has been jailed for 11 years. Gerald Peck, 77, of York Villas, Brighton, was found guilty of two counts of assault by penetration and three counts of sexual assault after luring the victim into repeated abuse during alleged therapy sessions.
Peck promoted himself as a specialized body and energy therapist who could heal depression and physical pain. Wanting to recover from the trauma, the woman believed his words. Instead, he branded it as a legitimate treatment, saying skin-to-skin contact and penetration were necessary to relieve tension. In reality, Peck was not an accredited psychotherapist. A court heard he was not recognized by any psychotherapy umbrella body in the UK and had invented his own “niche treatment”. In his statements to the police, he admitted that he “got carried away”.
The attacks took place on its premises over an extended period of time. Peck insisted that the sexual acts were purely therapeutic. The victim only consented because she trusted him and believed his lies. However, as prosecutors clearly stated, consent obtained by deception does not mean consent.
At Lewes Crown Court on Wednesday, February 4, 2024, Peck was found guilty of all five charges. Yesterday, on Thursday 12 March, the same court sentenced him to 11 years in prison, issued 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 Offenses team, said: “Gerald Peck repeatedly lied to the woman, telling her the sexual acts were part of therapy and not for his own sexual gratification. Although the woman consented to what happened during the so-called ‘therapy’ sessions, she was brutally and deliberately deceived by Peck, whom she trusted. He manipulated her into believing the sexual acts were a legitimate need for treatment.”
Detective Constable Jazz Gannon added: “The victim’s courage and determination played a central role in obtaining this sentence. His strength brought accountability and highlighted the critical importance of maintaining clear, ethical boundaries between therapists and those they are charged with supporting.”
“We hope her courage will encourage greater awareness and stronger protection in therapeutic settings.”
The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, endured months of violations before she had the strength to report him. His evidence disproved his claims and secured justice.
Peck will serve at least two-thirds of his sentence behind bars before having the chance to be released. The restraining order prohibits him from contacting the victim.
Anyone experiencing sexual violence can report it to the police by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency. Support is provided through Sussex Police and specialist services.
