Holly Willoughby’s deranged stalker, Gavin Plumb, is attempting to appeal his convictions for plotting to kidnap, rape, and murder the television presenter. Plumb, who was sentenced to a minimum of 16 years earlier this month, is also reportedly contesting the length of his sentence. If his appeal is successful, it will be heard by the Court of Appeal Criminal Division.
A court official confirmed: “We have received applications to appeal both [his convictions and sentence].”
Throughout his trial, Plumb, whose sick plan was discovered by an undercover American cop, repeatedly denied soliciting murder, inciting rape, and inciting kidnap. His lawyer, Sasha Wass KC, argued that he did not have “the means nor the opportunity” to execute his morbid plan, describing the messages as “the ramblings of a rather sad individual.”
Plumb was found guilty of plotting to kidnap, rape, and murder Holly Willoughby following a trial last week. His plot involved ambushing Ms Willoughby at her London home in the dead of night, using chloroform to incapacitate her and her husband Dan Baldwin. He planned to take the 43-year-old captive, holding her in an isolated “dungeon” he referred to as “death row,” where he intended to repeatedly rape and then murder her.
Mr. Justice Edward Murray handed Plumb concurrent life sentences with a minimum term of 16 years for each of his three offences, minus 280 days spent on remand. The judge described the plans as “particularly brutal and degrading,” adding that while Plumb’s “gross obesity” made the plot “unlikely to succeed,” it was fortunate he did not find accomplices who were physically more capable.
The judge noted that a victim impact statement from Ms Willoughby, detailing the devastating impact of Plumb’s actions, would not be read publicly but stated that his actions had had a “life-changing impact” on her both privately and professionally.
Prosecutor Alison Morgan KC told the court, “The wishes of the victim are absolutely clear that the document should remain private and restricted.
Details of Plumb’s “carefully planned” plot were so depraved that some were not reported by the media. His plan involved assembling a “restraint kit” that included hand and ankle shackles, a ball gag, metal cable ties, and rope.
During the trial, the jury heard that Plumb, from Harlow, Essex, discussed a “dungeon-style room” where he intended to hold Ms. Willoughby captive. His plot was initially revealed on a forum called “Abduct Lovers,” which was being monitored by an undercover police officer in Minnesota. This officer, using the pseudonym David Nelson, contacted Plumb and gathered information about his intentions, which he then passed to British police.
Essex Police raided Plumb’s home on October 4 last year. Plumb initially feigned ignorance but later admitted that Ms. Willoughby was a “fantasy” of his.
Plumb has previous convictions for the attempted kidnap and false imprisonment of four women in three incidents.
Ms Willoughby, who announced her departure from “This Morning” in October last year after 14 years on the ITV show, has waived her right to anonymity in connection with the charge against Plumb of assisting or encouraging rape.
As Plumb attempts to appeal his sentence and convictions, the case continues to highlight the dangers of online radicalization and the importance of international cooperation in preventing violent crimes.
