Superdry co-founder James Holder handed 18-month driving ban

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 28 July when he was stopped in his Range Rover by police in Snowshill Road, Worcestershire.

Cheltenham Magistrates' Court heard that a roadside breath test recorded a reading of 72mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath.

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

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.

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.

"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 whom he co-parents - and a ban would affect his ability to drive his children around.

District Judge Nicholas Wattam banned Holder for 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.

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

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