A fake therapist from Brighton has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for sexually assaulting a vulnerable client during fraudulent therapy sessions.
Gerald Peck, 77, of York Villas, Brighton, was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court after being found guilty of two counts of assault by penetration and three counts of sexual assault.
Pretending to be a private body and energy therapist, Peck targeted a woman in her 40s who sought help for depression and physical pain. He falsely claimed that skin-to-skin contact was “necessary” and lied that intimate touching and penetration were legitimate parts of his therapy, allegedly to ease trauma and tension.
Peck abused his position of trust, crossing professional boundaries to carry out his offences. The court described his conduct as inappropriate, abusive, and far beyond anything acceptable in therapy.
Following his arrest and trial, a jury convicted Peck on all five sexual offence charges on 4 February. On 12 March, he was sentenced to 11 years in prison and given a restraining order. He was also ordered to pay £9,730 in compensation to his victim for therapy costs within 10 months.
Detective Constable Jazz Gannon of Sussex Police praised the victim’s bravery, stating, “The victim’s courage and determination were central to securing justice. This case highlights the critical need for clear and ethical boundaries between therapists and clients.”
The police hope this conviction will encourage other victims of sexual violence to come forward and seek support. If you have been affected by sexual violence, you can report it online, call 101, or dial 999 in an emergency. Support services are available for anyone in need.
Originally published by UKNIP.
