A 77-year-old therapist who used his profession to sexually abuse a patient has been jailed. 

Gerald Peck of York Villas, Brighton, sexually assaulted a woman in her 40s multiple times after telling her his treatment could alleviate her depression and physical pain.

The woman sought out Peck’s treatment after seeing advertisements describing him as a ‘private body and energy therapist’.

But, when she booked an appointment, Peck told his victim that skin-to-skin contact was necessary before claiming that penetration and intimate touching would be the ‘only way’ to ease her trauma.  

He was this week sentenced at Lewes Crown Court to 11 years behind bars after being found guilty on five counts of sexual assault. 

It was found that he used his profession as a therapist to justify inappropriate and abusive behaviour.

Gerald Peck of York Villas, Brighton , sexually assaulted a woman in her 40s multiple times after telling her his treatment could alleviate her depression and physical pain

Detective Constable Jazz Gannon said: ‘The victim’s courage and determination were central to securing the sentence for serious sexual offences committed by a therapist against his client.

‘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, accountability, and stronger safeguarding within therapeutic environments. 

‘Her resilience throughout this process has been essential in revealing the truth, and her willingness to speak out has helped raise awareness across services, ensuring similar reports are recognised and addressed more effectively in the future.’