A Brighton sex therapist has been jailed for 17 years for raping a 14-year-old boy in a toilet at the King Alfred Leisure Centre in Hove.
Nicholas Gully, 48, a self-employed psychotherapist, of Eley Crescent, Rottingdean, was jailed at Hove Crown Court by Judge Christine Henson this morning (Wednesday 6 September).
The sentence reflected two other sexual assaults involving the same boy during the few moments when Nick Gully attacked him.
The offences took place in a cubicle at the men’s toilets at the King Alfred on the afternoon of Sunday 29 January.
Gully, who worked from a base in Hove, was convicted on Monday 31 July after a six-day trial at Hove Crown Court.
He will spend the first 11 years of his sentence in custody and the other six years will be spent on prison release licence.
He will also be a registered sex offender for life and was given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) severely restricting his access to children under 16.
Detective Sergeant Julie Greenwood, from Sussex Police, said: “Gully deliberately targeted this young boy who he spotted in the reception area where the boy was waiting for his mother.
“He followed him and subjected him to the most degrading assault.
“Thanks to swift reporting by the boy the same afternoon and our inquiries which, with the help of CCTV, quickly identified Gully, he was soon arrested and picked out in an identification procedure.
“Other evidence also connected him to the offence.
“Gully initially refused to comment in our interviews with him.
“He subsequently admitted the encounter but pleaded not guilty, claiming in court that it was consensual and that he reasonably believed the boy was 16 or over despite not having any evidence to support that belief.
“The jury clearly saw through this account.
“We very much admire the courage of the victim in giving evidence in court.
“We also acknowledge the readiness of three of his friends who engaged in text exchanges with him immediately after the crime and encouraged him to contact the police.
“They were fully prepared to give evidence in court but were not required.
“Anyone who wishes to report sexual offences of any kind can always contact us. You can report online or call 101.
“All reports will be treated in confidence and you can arrange to speak to experienced investigators.”
The boy’s mother said after Gully was convicted: “The last six months have been a horrendous time for my son and my entire family.
“What started off as a perfectly normal Sunday, with my son attending the leisure centre having newly acquired membership on turning 14, turned into every parent’s worst nightmare.
“The unimaginable events that took place that day with him being deliberately targeted and attacked by a serious sexual predator while waiting for a lift home from me have had devastating consequences for my son and close family.
“He has had to come to terms with what has happened to him and also deal with the police investigation and trial.
“What has stood out to us is his outstanding bravery in coming forward immediately after the incident and the incredible support of his close friends and the professional services involved including the police and Survivors Network workers.
“I believe the perpetrator to be a serious sexual predator who if he had not been detained would have been an ongoing serious threat to young people.
“We are so relieved that the trial is now over and are looking forward to moving forward with our lives.”
Gully worked as a counsellor for people with addictions, including sex and love addictions, for more than 20 years.
He had also worked as a part-time lecturer at Brighton University, specialising in addiction and cognitive behavioural therapy, and was previously director of addiction services at the Priory Hospital in London.
He practised in Brighton and Hove as well as in London, also working with people addicted to drink, drugs and gambling, those with compulsive spending habits and eating disorders.
He was arrested as he prepared to leave for a new post in Thailand.
Good…..
Horrifying that in 2017 you can have a so called therapist, or, healer, that is capable of paedophilia. And they said the Jimmy Savile era ended.
I am horrified and angered, as this man ran the rehab I was in.
I think the organisations and people that have bigged up Gully, over the years, have some serious explaining to do?
As if the so called ”Jimmy Savile era” as you call it, will ever end. There will always be perverts like this.
All the Brighton mangers were/now up to no good from the dextox to rehabs ,I sopose many people have trusted them were personal stories there getting away with it
I am really concerned that this man has brought into disrepute, the services offered in rehabs – however, I can fully understand how people must feel. The abuse of power and trust especially of vulnerable people, is a major signal to all, that people like Nick Gully are really sick and need to be in the dominant position, enacting his own particular dark history. It is of deep concern that he was able to act as if he had been trained and had gained qualifications for his work- and that he could betray clients and also, his family and indeed, ex- colleagues, who trusted him. I am particularly concerned that the young boy, who was hurt by Gully, does get all the help he needs and for as long as he needs – and his family too. I hope prison will be a place where Gully can be rehabilitated – and that there is the chance that in 17 or so years, this man will truly learn the meaning of Step 1 of the 12Steps, that he was very keen for his rehab clients, to learn. Addiction treatment centres are not always the healthiest of places – I have had many years of experience working in these places, and it is a fact, that there is much unwellness in treatment teams too, but criminal behaviour such as Nick’s, is not the norm. He now has a choice – if nothing changes, nothing changes.
I agree that he would of benefited from understanding Step 1, but as you say he wasn’t trained, nor was he spiritual, he just managed to muscle into his pseudo position as The Great Guru of the Steps, which suited him fine, as it allowed the perfect veneer for his deviant nature.
If he didn’t have qualifications, how on earth did he get employed in these organisations? And, if that is the case, can’t people sue these organisations for being charlatans? I mean, you wouldn’t accept a fake Doctor or Surgeon would you?
Or, is Adult Social Care simply an area where this is seen as an occupational hazard?
I met him several times whilst in treatment at the priory in 2006. He shook my hand and gave me his card in a faux meaningful closing session where he was leaving. I was pissed off at the time and glared at him. He shook everyone’s hand. He played music, like it was a ceremony. I don’t know if he’s a bad guy but I’m sorry for this boy he’s abused and I hope he finds his salvation.
I met Nick Gully in 2000 while I was in treatment, 2yrs prior to my going in he’d assessed me & told me I wasn’t ready. Took me 2yrs before I went back & was accepted.. It changed my life for the better. Upon leaving I’d made a life & had kids, nick gully was a friend & played with my kids as babies in my home & now to know this about him has completely changed my perception of people as I know he’s not the only 1 to use there position of trust around vulnerable people. Disgusting. Sex offenders never change & they never get the right punishment, gully will do 10yrs if that. The boy he raped will do LIFE !!! & His family will do it with him.