- James Holder convicted of rape by UK court
- Bail denied over flight risk concerns
- Incident occurred after night out in 2022
- Superdry distances itself from former co-founder
James Holder, co-founder of British fashion brand Superdry, has been found guilty of rape following a trial at Gloucester Crown Court, in a case that has drawn widespread attention.
James Holder was convicted by a jury after a five-day trial at Gloucester Crown Court, marking a major development in a case that has shaken parts of the fashion industry.
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The 54-year-old was found guilty of rape but cleared of a separate charge of assault by penetration. The verdict was delivered by a jury of seven men and five women.
Presiding judge David Chidgey refused Holder’s request for bail, citing concerns over his financial means and the possibility that he could flee the country.
According to the court, the incident occurred on May 6, 2022, after a night out that ended at the victim’s apartment. Prosecutors told the court that Holder made unwanted advances and continued despite clear resistance.
Prosecutor James Haskell said the victim tried to resist and later managed to escape the situation before Holder left the apartment.
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The case was supported by a video-recorded interview conducted months after the incident was reported. During police questioning, Holder defended his actions, stating he had a “love of women and sex” and claimed he believed he was acting protectively.
Superdry has since issued a statement distancing itself from Holder, noting that he had not been involved with the company for several years prior to the incident.
The company confirmed that Holder stepped down as a director and employee in 2016 and ended his consultancy role in 2019.
Sentencing is expected at a later date.
