Co-founder of British fashion brand Superdry, James Holder, has been found guilty of rape following a trial at Gloucester Crown Court in Cirencester.
After a five-day hearing, a jury consisting of seven men and five women returned a guilty verdict on the rape charge. However, the 54-year-old was acquitted of a separate charge of assault by penetration.
Judge David Chidgey rejected Holder’s application for bail, which was made so he could “get his affairs in order” and say goodbye to his family. The judge cited his “significant resources” and described him as a flight risk.
The court heard that the incident occurred on May 6, 2022, during what was described as an “impromptu night out” that ended at the complainant’s flat.
A witness told the court she had ordered separate taxis for both parties, but Holder allegedly entered the victim’s cab, which was heading to her home.
Prosecutor James Haskell told the court that Holder later appeared at the living room doorway and asked the woman to join him in the bedroom, but she refused.
According to the prosecution, Holder then pulled her onto the bed and continued touching her, removing her lower clothing despite her resistance.
“At one point she remembered starting to cry, but even then he didn’t stop,” the prosecutor said.
The jury was told the woman eventually managed to escape from the bedroom, after which Holder left the flat. She later reported the incident to police and gave a video-recorded statement in July 2022.
During a police interview, Holder reportedly spoke about his “love of women and sex,” adding that his instinct was to “protect [the victim] and women” and that he could “handle alcohol well”.
In a statement, Superdry said Holder had resigned as a director and employee in 2016, while his consultancy role ended in 2019.
“The case relates to an incident in 2022, long after any role with Superdry had ended,” the company said.
“The court case does not relate to Superdry, its premises, employees or business activity. As this remains a matter for the court, Superdry cannot comment further.”
Holder is scheduled to be sentenced on May 7 at Bristol Crown Court.
