Crime & Safety
Superdry co-founder James Holder gets 8 years for rape
James Holder, 54, had gone back to the woman’s home, went to the toilet and then promptly fell asleep on her bed snoring.
The multi-millionaire fashion boss then woke up and beckoned the woman, who was trying to sleep in the lounge, into her bedroom and raped her.
Holder had denied charges of assault by penetration and rape and said what sexual activity took place between them was consensual.
A jury at Gloucester Crown Court, sitting in Cirencester, acquitted Holder of assault by penetration but found him guilty of rape after deliberating for four hours.
The defendant, of Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, was remanded into custody ahead of sentencing at Bristol Crown Court today (May 7).
At Bristol Crown Court today, Recorder David Chidgey told Holder that he had committed a “despicable piece of sexual violence”, reports the BBC.
Holder appeared via video link from prison and was said to have shown no reaction when the sentence was given.
Holder’s victim said, in a statement read to the court, he had taken her “choice, dignity and body”.
She added: “What you did that day has followed me, it has cast shadows where there should be light.”
Oxford United Walking Football Club sent its overs 50s and 65s squads to the Mallorca Walking Football Tournament from April 30 to May 4.
Mark Quainton, who joined the club just 15 months ago and turned 54 during the tournament, led the over 50s teams as player-manager.
The team comprised players in their 50s and 60s and three over the age of 70,with some competing in their first oversees tournament.
In the group stage, they faced strong opposition from teams representing Glasgow, Morocco and Poland.
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Morocco, who played its national team, emerged as the standout team when they entered the knockout stages unbeaten.
Oxford adapted by making key tactical decisions ahead of the knockout rounds, including a formation change.
The adjustments paid off as the over 50s team edged passed Morocco in what was described as a ‘dramatic’ semi-final, decided by penalties
In both the semi-final and final, goalkeeper Stephen Bellinger produced crucial saves while Quainton and Marc Cresswell helped secure the victory.
The win sparked emotional celebrations by players, teammates and supporters, including their former Glasgow rivals.
Quainton said: “We were all shocked and it still hasn’t sunk in but it means the world to us as players and as a club.
“We all support Oxford United, so to represent the badge and win a trophy abroad is a dream come true. It proves that no matter your age, you can still achieve something special.”
Oxford now hope to return next year to defend their title.
Families, children and collectors flooded to the shopping centre on Thursday morning (May 7) as the doors to the brand’s 22nd location opened.
Two young Oxford residents, Xavier, seven, and Herbie, five, cut the ribbon as the crowd cheered and entered the 250sqm store.
Visitors explored immersive experiences inside, including the Pick a Brick Wall and Build a Minifigure Tower.
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In the future at the store, open seven days week, there will be hands-on play opportunities, including free build challenges and events each month.
Shoppers were treated to impressive builds and exclusive opening offers, while enjoying Lego product favourites such as Lego Dreamzzz, Lego Friends, and Lego Ninjago.
Retail exclusives included Lego Ideas Tintin Moon rocket, and the Lego Star Wars The Mandalorian’s N-1 Starfighter.
This new store is the 22nd LEGO Store in UK and brings with it the creation of 25 new jobs within the local community.
Shweta Munshi, vice president of marketing for Lego retail, said: “We are very excited to have welcomed customers into our brand-new store at Westgate Oxford.
“This new store is more than just a place to buy Lego bricks – it’s a place where imagination comes to life, and where children and adults alike can find inspiration and joy.”
Clare Martin, acting centre director at Westgate Oxford: “The buzz surrounding Lego’s arrival has been fantastic, so we are delighted to see that energy come to life at the official launch today.
“We are proud to be home to the only Lego store in Oxfordshire and the wider region.”
Diners and staff at Brasserie Blanc in Walton Street will toast 30 years of French hospitality, good food and memorable moments on Thursday, June 11, from 7.30pm to 10pm.
The evening will include a four-course dinner with Lanson Champagne, music, and a speech from Raymond Blanc, who no longer directly owns the brasserie chain.
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In 2023, the restaurant reopened following major refurbishment.
It was given a brand new colour scheme with velvet banquettes and statement lighting.
In a recent review, Oxford Mail reporter Matt Simpson said: “Brasserie Blanc’s chefs absolutely wipe the floor with anyone else, not least the well-established restaurant elsewhere in the city.
“The reason why Brasserie Blanc excels on its food, as evidenced by the steak tartare, is because it has stuck to its core value: to celebrate fresh, seasonal ingredients.”
He added: “Brasserie Blanc offers its diners the art de vivre philosophy; an evening of utter pleasure, celebration and delight. A true love letter to the food of the nation we can only ever secretly adore.”
Raymond Blanc runs Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons, the iconic Great Milton restaurant and hotel which began its temporary closure at the start of January with renovations and refurbishments set to take place.
Le Manoir opened in 1984, and the now Belmond-owned spot has been one of the UK’s most cherished.
The two Michelin-starred restaurant is set to reopen in the summer of 2027.
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