James Holder, the 54-year-old co-founder of the clothing brand Superdry, is currently on trial at Gloucester Crown Court, accused of raping a woman following a night out in Cheltenham on May 6, 2022. Holder, described as heavily intoxicated, was initially en route home in a taxi when he declared, “I am not going home,” witnesses told the jury.
According to testimony, after getting into a taxi with a friend heading to his Cotswolds residence, Holder and his companion exited the vehicle and instead entered a different taxi driven by the woman who later accused Holder of rape. Witnesses confirmed that sexual activity occurred that night, but Holder insists it was consensual.
One witness recounted arranging the first taxi and observing the change in plans: “I flagged down a taxi and they both got in. James said, ‘I am not going home.’ Then, the two men left that taxi and got into the complainant’s taxi.” This sequence was corroborated by further testimony from individuals who checked in on the complainant afterward, noting signs of intoxication and concern.
READ MORE: Concerns Rise as Nearly Two-Thirds of The Forum’s Office Space Remains Empty
READ MORE: Hundreds Join 5K Run to Support Teenager Battling Cystic Fibrosis
The following day, a friend visited the complainant to check on her well-being. The complainant revealed that although she initially agreed to kissing and intimacy with Holder, she did not want to have sex. She described feeling “quite hazy” about how their encounter progressed and reported that the situation became uncomfortable before Holder left at around 4 a.m.
When questioned by Holder’s defense attorney, Michelle Heeley KC, the witness admitted she did not directly ask the complainant if she had been raped, describing the term as “a big word.” Another friend who visited the complainant described her as quiet and reluctant to discuss details but mentioned that the complainant had expressed that Holder tried to have sex against her wishes. Concerned by what she heard, this friend sought advice from medical services.
Holder denies all charges of rape and assault by penetration. The trial is ongoing as the jury continues to hear evidence.