Superdry fashion boss banned from road for drink-driving
James Holder, 51, was twice the drink drive limit when he was stopped in his Range Rover in Broadway, Worcestershire.
A co-founder of clothing firm Superdry has been banned from the roads after admitting drink-driving.
James Holder, 51, was twice the drink-drive limit on July 28 when he was stopped in his Range Rover by police in Snowshill Road, Broadway, Worcestershire.
Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court heard 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.
“The work he does requires a considerable amount of travelling and travelling overseas, including to China and India,” he said.
“A ban is going to have a significant impact upon his business.”
Mr Amarasinha said Holder has three children – a teenager who lives with his ex-wife, and two younger children from his second marriage who he co-parents – 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.
“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 judgment, 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. He quit the brand in 2016.
The fashion retailer is famous for its hoodie tops and T-shirts, and celebrity fans include former footballer David Beckham and Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton.
