James Holder, the co-founder of fashion brand Superdry, has been sentenced to eight years in prison after being found guilty of raping a woman in Cheltenham, UK, in May 2022. The incident occurred following a night out, during which Holder and a friend went to the woman’s home after drinking. Prosecutors stated that Holder raped the woman after waking from a short sleep in her bedroom, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Court Testimony and Verdict
The victim testified in court that she was crying and repeatedly asked Holder to stop during the assault. Despite Holder denying the allegation and claiming the sexual activity was consensual, a jury found him guilty of rape. He was acquitted of a separate charge of assault by penetration.
Victim Impact Statement
In a statement read in court, the woman said Holder had taken away her “choice, dignity and body.” She added, “What you did that day has followed me, it has cast shadows where there should be light.”
Judge’s Remarks
While sentencing Holder at Bristol Crown Court, Judge David Chidgey described the attack as a “despicable piece of sexual violence.” The judge told Holder that the assault demonstrated a sense of “entitlement” and a disregard for the victim’s right to make decisions about her own body.
Holder’s Reaction
Holder appeared in court via video link from prison and showed no reaction as the sentence was handed down.
