Superdry co-founder to be sentenced after being found guilty of rape
James Holder to be sentenced at Bristol Crown Court
James Holder, the co-founder of clothing brand Superdry, is set to be sentenced later today (7 May) after he was found guilty of rape by a jury at Cirencester Courthouse.
The 54-year-old from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, is facing jail time after taking part in a trial last week.
Holder's case involved an incident from May 7th, 2022, when he attacked a woman in her home following a night out in Cheltenham.
Court proceedings revealed that Holder and an acquaintance had returned to the woman's home uninvited.
Holder was cleared of assault by penetration but convicted of rape.
After a short nap, Holder allegedly beckoned the woman to her bedroom, where she was attacked.
The victim described the encounter in court, denying suggestions that she initiated the sexual activity.
Holder maintained that everything was consensual, saying the woman kissed him first before they proceeded to have consensual sex, stopping when she complained of pain.
James Haskell, the prosecuting lawyer, challenged Holder on his conduct that evening, suggesting he left the flat due to a sudden realisation of his actions.
Holder refuted these claims, stating he left because he had been out longer than planned.
Holder will be sentenced on 7th May 2026 at Bristol Crown Court by Recorder David Chidgey.