Superdry Co-Founder James Holder Accused of Rape After Refusing to Leave Cheltenham Evening

James Holder, 54, the co-founder of the clothing company Superdry, stands accused of raping a woman in Cheltenham after a night of drinking on 6 May 2022. Gloucester Crown Court heard that after an evening at Gin and Juice, Holder, described by a witness as "intoxicated," refused to go home, stating, "I am not going home."

A taxi had been arranged to take Holder and a friend to his Cotswolds home. However, Holder and his friend reportedly exited that taxi and entered another, which was transporting the complainant. A witness attempted to contact the woman later, expressing concern about her intoxicated state.

The court was told that the following day, the complainant informed the witness that Holder had fallen asleep in her bed at her Cheltenham flat, forcing her to sleep on the floor. She reportedly told the witness that things escalated after Holder woke her, leading to sexual activity she did not consent to.

Holder, from Cheltenham, denies charges of rape and assault by penetration. While sexual activity between Holder and the woman is not disputed, Holder maintains it was consensual. A transcript of Holder's police interview, detailing his account of consensual sexual intercourse, was read in court. The trial continues.