James Holder, the co-founder of the fashion brand Superdry, is facing accusations of raping a woman following a night of drinking, as revealed in court. Allegedly, Holder visited the woman’s residence, used the restroom, and then fell asleep on her bed. Subsequently, he is accused of waking up and sexually assaulting the woman.

During the trial at Gloucester Crown Court in Cirencester, prosecutor James Haskell stated that Holder was alleged to have sexually assaulted and raped the woman in the early hours of May 7, 2022. While Holder admits to engaging in sexual activity with the woman, he asserts that it was consensual and believed so at the time.

The incident reportedly occurred after a night out at a Cheltenham bar, where the woman called a taxi to take her home. Upon entering the taxi, she realized that Holder and another man had also boarded, without her consent to share the ride. Upon reaching her home, she noticed the two men following her inside.

The woman recounted that Holder was found asleep on her bed fully dressed and snoring, prompting her to sleep on the lounge floor. When she woke up to find Holder in her living room, she directed him back to his room, but he insisted she join him. Despite her refusal and attempts to stop him, Holder allegedly proceeded to sexually assault her.

Following the incident, the woman managed to escape, and Holder left shortly after. She later reported the assault to the police and provided a video-recorded statement to detectives. Haskell mentioned that the woman described Holder as formerly associated with Superdry and herself as intoxicated on the night of the incident.

The prosecution argues that Holder took advantage of the woman’s vulnerable state due to intoxication. Holder, residing in Cheltenham, denies the charges of rape and assault by penetration. The trial is ongoing.