Co-Founder of Superdry Fashion Brand Is Convicted of Rape
The New York Times • • world
Key Points:
- James Holder, co-founder of the Superdry fashion brand, was found guilty of raping a woman in 2022 by a British jury after a five-day trial at Gloucester Crown Court.
- Holder, 54, denied the charges, claiming the sexual encounter was consensual, but was acquitted of a second charge, assault by penetration.
- The incident occurred in May 2022 in Cheltenham, with the victim testifying that Holder forced her onto a bed and raped her despite her objections, supported by evidence including images of bruised wrists.
- Holder was denied bail due to being considered a flight risk and is scheduled for sentencing later this month, facing a potential life sentence with an average rape sentence of 10 years in the UK.
- Superdry stated that Holder had resigned from the company in 2016 and ended consultancy in 2019, emphasizing that the offense occurred long after his involvement with the brand had ended.
