Brighton Therapist Jailed For 11 Years For Sexually Assaulting Client

A man who sexually assaulted a client during therapy sessions in Brighton has been jailed for 11 years.

Gerald Peck, 77, of York Villas, was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court after being found guilty of two counts of assault by penetration and three counts of sexual assault.

The victim, a woman in her 40s, reported that Peck assaulted her multiple times over an extended period while she was receiving therapy from him.

Peck had advertised himself as a body and energy therapist, claiming his treatments could help relieve depression and physical pain.

During sessions, he told the victim that skin-to-skin contact and intimate touching were necessary parts of her treatment, and falsely claimed penetration was needed to relieve tension.

Police said he used his position of trust to justify behaviour that was abusive and entirely outside acceptable professional boundaries.

Alongside the prison sentence, Peck was issued with a restraining order and ordered to pay the victim £9,730 in compensation for therapy costs within 10 months.

Jazz Gannon praised the victim’s courage in reporting the abuse.

“The victim’s courage and determination were central to securing this sentence for serious sexual offences committed by a therapist against his client,” she said.

“Her resilience throughout this process has helped reveal the truth and raise awareness of the importance of safeguarding within therapeutic environments.”

Support is available for anyone affected by sexual violence.

Incidents can be reported to Sussex Police online, via 101, or by calling 999 in an emergency.