Gavin Plumb, a 37-year-old security guard, has been convicted of planning to kidnap, rape, and murder television presenter Holly Willoughby, who was the host of This Morning at the time of the plot. The jury at Chelmsford Crown Court unanimously found Plumb guilty of soliciting murder and inciting rape and kidnap.
Plumb, who had been obsessed with Willoughby, expressed shock and sorrow as the verdicts were announced. He was emotional as he was led away to the cells, showing signs of distress.
Following the undercover officer’s alert, the FBI and UK police raided Plumb’s residence in Harlow, Essex, leading to his arrest. In a shocking turn of events, Plumb, in a video of the arrest, confessed to his obsession with Willoughby, calling her a fantasy of his.
The judge described Plumb as a danger to society whilst Willoughby, in a victim impact statement, expressed deep disturbance and fear caused by the plot against her. She commended law enforcement for thwarting the attack and encouraged vigilance in identifying and preventing such threats in the future.
Plumb’s solicitor indicated plans to appeal the verdict, claiming his client had no intent to carry out the acts described in the messages. Nonetheless, the jury deemed Plumb’s obsession and detailed planning a serious threat to Willoughby and her family.
