Superdry co-founder James Holder jailed for rapeJust nowJonathan Holmes,West of EnglandandMaisie Lillywhite,Bristol Crown CourtPA MediaJames Holder was sentenced to eight years in prison after being found guilty of rape

Superdry co-founder James Holder has been jailed for eight years for rape.

The 54-year-old, of Cheltenham, attacked the woman in her flat after a night out in May 2022.

Addressing him at Bristol Crown Court, Recorder David Chidgey told Holder - who appeared via video link from prison - that he had committed a "despicable piece of sexual violence". Holder did not react as he was sentenced.

In a statement read to the court, his victim said he had taken her "choice, dignity and body".

"What you did that day has followed me, it has cast shadows where there should be light," she added.

Holder was found guilty by a jury of seven men and five women at Gloucester Crown Court, sitting in Cirencester, on 1 May.

The fashion tycoon, who set up Superdry with Julian Dunkerton in 2003, was on an "impromptu night out" on 6 May 2022 which ended at the woman's flat, the court heard during the trial.

A witness said she had called a taxi for Holder and a separate one for the victim, but Holder had then got into the back of the victim's taxi, destined for her home address.

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Violence against womenGloucestershireCheltenham