A SEX therapist faces 17 years behind bars for raping a schoolboy in a public toilet.

Nicholas Gully, 48, of Eley Crescent, Rottingdean, was sentenced at Hove Crown Court this morning for raping the 14-year-old in a cubicle at the King Alfred leisure centre in January.

Gully will have to serve a minimum of 11 years.

He was given two years and six months for one count of sexual assault, four years for a second count of sexual assault, and 11 years for one count of rape.

Judge Christine Henson QC took into account the serious psychological harm inflicted on the teenager when sentencing Gully.

Speaking after the sentencing, the boy's mother said: "I am relieved he had the appropriate term.

"I am also relieved he will be removed from society. He is a serious danger."

In a statement, investigating officer Detective Sergeant Julie Greenwood of 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 enquiries 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."

A spokeswoman for the NSPCC said: "Thanks to his victim’s tremendous bravery in reliving this horrific ordeal Gully is now facing the consequences of his depraved actions.

“This case highlights once again that survivors of child sexual abuse can have the confidence they will be listened to when they speak out.

“We are pleased to hear that the victim is already receiving all available support to help him move forward."