In a dramatic court appearance, Gavin Plumb, a 36-year-old shopping centre security guard from Harlow, Essex, has denied accusations of plotting to kidnap and murder renowned TV presenter Holly Willoughby. Plumb faces multiple criminal charges, including the alleged assembly of a ‘kidnap and restraint’ kit at his residence and purported arrangements for an American assassin to abduct the 42-year-old celebrity.
Plumb entered a not-guilty plea to three significant criminal charges during his appearance at Chelmsford Crown Court today, where he sat in the dock wearing a dirty grey t-shirt and maintained a stoic demeanour while listening to the proceedings.
The charges against him include soliciting to commit murder and incitement to commit kidnapping, both of which he vehemently denied.
According to the charge sheet, Plumb is accused of having ‘solicited, encouraged, persuaded, endeavoured to persuade, or proposed’ the murder of the former This Morning star. Furthermore, it is alleged that he was found in possession of ‘weapons’ and had constructed a ‘restraint kit’ for the purpose of carrying out the alleged plot.
The charges also suggest that Plumb encouraged an individual based in the United States to travel to the United Kingdom, possibly as part of the purported plan.
After a 30-minute hearing, Judge Mary Loram KC addressed Plumb and informed him that his case would be adjourned for trial, with a tentative date set for June 24 next year. She emphasized the necessity for Plumb’s attendance at the trial.
Plumb, who is employed at the Pinnacles Shopping Centre in Harlow, Essex, was taken into custody last month. The allegations surrounding the alleged plot have garnered significant attention, particularly after Holly Willoughby sensationally quit her long-standing role on This Morning last month. Reports suggest that she was left ‘distraught’ upon learning of the alleged plot.
On the day of the alleged incident, Ms. Willoughby was pulled from presenting the ITV show just moments before going on air after police informed show executives about the purported plot. Alison Hammond was chosen as her replacement alongside Josie Gibson.
As legal proceedings continue, Plumb maintains his innocence against the serious charges he faces, while the public watches closely for further developments in this high-profile case.
