Superdry co-founder banned from road for drink-driving

James Holder, aged 51, was twice the drink-drive limit when he was stopped in his Range Rover by police along Snowshill Road, Broadway, Worcestershire on Friday, July 28.

Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court heard yesterday, Monday, August 14 that a roadside breath test recorded a reading of 72mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mg.

The court was told that the fashion designer had been at a business meeting at a pub and after drinking had decided to drive home.

Holder, of Hawling, Cheltenham, pleaded guilty to drink-driving.

Revantha Amarasinha, defending, acknowledged the defendant would be banned from driving but asked for leniency as it would impact his family life, business interests and charity work.

He said: “The work he does requires a considerable amount of travelling and travelling overseas, including to China and India.

“A ban is going to have a significant impact upon his business.”

Mr Amarasinha said Holder has three children and a ban would affect his ability to drive his children around.

District Judge Nicholas Wattam banned Holder from driving for 18 months, fined him £1,800 and ordered him to pay £85 prosecution costs and a victim surcharge of £720 - a total of £2,605. 

“You admitted the offence straight away and I do give you credit for that, and the penalty I impose will be less severe than I would have done,” the judge said.

“This is very much out of character for you, and I do realise this will have a significant impact upon you for your business and your family.

“This was clearly an error of judgement, and you were two times the legal limit and I am going to deal with you as leniently as I can.”

The judge told Holder if he completes a drink-drive rehabilitation course he could reduce his road ban by 18 weeks.

Holder co-founded Superdry in Cheltenham in 2003 with businessman Julian Dunkerton.

The case was heard at Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court yesterday, Monday, August 14 (Image: Newsquest)