James Holder, 54, co-founder of the popular clothing brand Superdry, stands accused of raping a woman after a night out drinking. According to the prosecution, after spending time at a bar in Cheltenham, the woman invited Holder and another man back to her home. Shortly after arriving, Holder allegedly fell asleep fully clothed on her bed.
The woman, who had initially sought rest in the lounge, later found Holder awake and beckoning her into his bedroom. It was there that, she claims, Holder forcibly raped her despite her protests.
During proceedings at Gloucester Crown Court in Cirencester, prosecutor James Haskell detailed the events from the early hours of May 7, 2022. He acknowledged that some sexual activity occurred but emphasized that the woman did not consent and that Holder’s claim of reasonable belief in consent was disputed.
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The court heard that while hailing a taxi home, the woman was surprised when Holder and another man joined her without prior agreement. She reportedly expressed concern over their intoxicated state, providing them drinks and anticipating they would take a separate taxi.
According to testimony, after the men used the bathroom, Holder’s prolonged absence led the woman to find him sleeping on her bed. She even recorded a video of him asleep and shared it with friends. Seeking rest herself, she settled on the lounge floor. She recalled waking to find Holder entering the lounge and insisting she return to the bedroom with him.
The woman stated she resisted his advances, repeatedly telling him to stop as he touched her and removed her lower clothing without consent. Despite her pleas and gradual tears, the assault continued until she managed to flee the room. Holder left shortly thereafter.
She subsequently reported the incident to police and gave a detailed video-recorded interview. The prosecution highlighted her intoxication during the night, arguing that Holder exploited her vulnerability.
Holder denies all charges of rape and assault by penetration. The trial is ongoing.