Superdry co-founder James Holder is accused of raping a woman in her own bed after a boozy night out, a court has heard. The 54-year-old denies the charges of rape and assault by penetration. The alleged incident took place in the early hours of 7 May 2022 following a night drinking in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.
The court, sitting in Cirencester, was told that Holder and a friend shared a taxi with the woman after the night out in the town. Despite indicating they were heading to a different address, the pair allegedly followed her into her flat. Holder then went to the toilet and promptly fell asleep on the woman's bed.
The prosecution claims the fashion boss then woke up and beckoned the woman, who was trying to sleep in the lounge, into her bedroom. There he is accused of raping her as she sobbed and pleaded with him to stop.
The woman had made it clear she was tired and said no, the court heard. Prosecutor James Haskell told the jury: 'The prosecution case is that James Holder sexually assaulted and raped a woman in the early hours of May 7 2022,' as per the BBC.
Holder, who co-founded Superdry in 2003 with Julian Dunkerton, maintains that any sexual activity was consensual. The woman started to cry as the alleged assault took place, jurors were told.
The trial opened on Monday and is expected to last several weeks. The defence team will challenge the prosecution's account, arguing that Holder did not commit rape or assault by penetration. The complainant is scheduled to give evidence in the coming days, which is likely to be a key moment in the proceedings. The case has attracted interest given Holder's high profile as a co-founder of the popular fashion brand. Holder has pleaded not guilty and the defence is expected to cross-examine witnesses rigorously.
The company has navigated significant challenges in recent years. Superdry completed a £11 million ($14.9 million) equity raise in 2023 as part ofrecapitalisation effortsto address economic pressures and changing consumer behaviour in the retail industry.
The brand continues to operate from its Cheltenham base, known for its casual wear and distinctive style. It has seen fluctuations in its market position but remains a recognisable name in British fashion.
The allegations have generateddiscussion online. A poston Xfrom Greatest Hits Radio Gloucester News said: 'A court has heard that Superdry co-founder James Holder is accused of raping a woman after a night out in Cheltenham in 2022.'
A court has heard that Superdry co-founder James Holder is accused of raping a woman after a night out in Cheltenham in 2022.Read more 👇https://t.co/0Zq1VelCY1pic.twitter.com/zBBgGbKLrs
Source: International Business Times UK
