The trial at Gloucester Crown Court revealed that James Holder, the co-founder of Superdry, allegedly refused to go home after a night of drinking. Despite a taxi being arranged to take him and a friend to his Cotswolds residence, they instead entered the taxi of the woman who later accused him of rape.
While it was acknowledged that there was sexual activity between Holder and the woman, the businessman maintains that it was consensual. Witnesses from the night in question testified during the trial, which is taking place in Cirencester.
One witness recalled flagging down a taxi for Holder and his friend, with Holder refusing to go home. Subsequently, the woman arranged for a second taxi for the complainant. The two men then entered the complainant’s taxi instead, leading to separate drop-offs being arranged.
The following day, concerned friends visited the complainant, who disclosed details of the night with Holder. She mentioned that despite initially consenting to kissing, she did not want to engage in sexual activity but felt pressured into it. The encounter reportedly ended around 4am.
During questioning, one witness mentioned that the complainant did not explicitly state that she had been raped but did express discomfort about the sexual encounter. Another witness described the complainant as “quiet” and revealed that she had called 111 for advice after the incident was mentioned.
Holder, from Cheltenham, has pleaded not guilty to charges of rape and assault by penetration. The proceedings are ongoing.