James Holder, co-founder of the popular fashion brand Superdry, has been found guilty of rape and is scheduled to be sentenced today. The 54-year-old businessman, from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, was convicted following a trial at Cirencester Crown Court that detailed a disturbing incident after a night out in May 2022.
According to court testimonies, after socializing at a bar in Cheltenham, Holder and a friend went uninvited to a woman’s home. The victim described that Holder had initially gone to the bathroom and then fell asleep on her bed. Upon waking, he called the woman from the lounge into the bedroom, where the assault occurred.
Holder denied the charges, claiming that all sexual activities were consensual. However, the jury acquitted him of assault by penetration but found him guilty of rape. The victim testified that she was crying and pleaded for the abuse to stop, but Holder continued. She also rejected the defense’s suggestion that the encounter was consensual or initiated by her, clearly stating that the experience was rape.
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The defense described Holder as “old school and chivalrous” and highlighted his affection for women, while Holder himself insisted the encounter was consensual and that the woman had kissed him first, with no visible signs of distress during the act. Nonetheless, the jury was convinced beyond reasonable doubt of Holder’s guilt.
After the attack, the victim managed to escape, and Holder left the residence shortly afterward. Holder is a married father of two and had maintained his innocence throughout the trial.
Sentencing will take place at Bristol Crown Court, where Recorder David Chidgey will determine Holder’s punishment for this serious crime.