Fashion mogul James Holder, co-founder of Superdry, is facing allegations of sexually assaulting a woman following a night of drinking, a court has revealed.
The prosecution stated that Holder, 54, visited the woman’s residence, used the toilet, fell asleep on her bed, and then allegedly woke up to sexually assault her in the early hours of May 7, 2022.
During the trial at Gloucester Crown Court in Cirencester, details emerged that the incident occurred after a night out at a Cheltenham bar. The woman, who had arranged a taxi to take her home, found Holder and another man unexpectedly joining her in the taxi without her consent.
Upon reaching her home, the woman observed both men entering her flat after she had made it clear to the taxi driver that they were not part of her original plan. Despite feeling uneasy about their presence, she provided them with drinks, thinking they would soon leave in another taxi.
As the night progressed, both men used the facilities at her home, with Holder eventually being found asleep on her bed. Subsequently, Holder allegedly attempted to engage the woman in sexual activity, disregarding her protests and causing her distress.
The woman managed to extricate herself from the situation and reported the events to the authorities, leading to Holder’s denial of charges of rape and assault by penetration.
The court heard that the prosecution contends Holder took advantage of the woman’s vulnerable state due to intoxication. Testimonies, including voice note messages, and the woman’s account of the night were presented as evidence.
The trial is ongoing as the legal proceedings continue.