Security Guard Guilty of Terrifying Holly Willoughby Kidnap Plot
A twisted security guard has been convicted for plotting to kidnap, rape, and murder TV presenter Holly Willoughby. Gavin Plumb, 37, was found guilty at Chelmsford Crown Court after prosecutors revealed his disturbing obsession with the former This Morning star, who quit the ITV show last October following his arrest.
Dark Past of Violence and Kidnap Attempts
Plumb’s sinister history is chilling. He has two convictions for attempted kidnap, hauling women off trains, and two more for false imprisonment, having once trapped two 16-year-old girls at knifepoint. Despite this, he managed to work as a security guard—until now.
Gruesome Online Plans Exposed
The court learned Plumb bombarded online chats with graphic, sexualised threats about attacking Holly and other celebs from December 2021. Hundreds of messages shown to the jury included deepfake porn images, photos of Holly’s home, and detailed discussions about taking time off work to carry out his sick plan.
In one chilling message, Plumb sent an undercover cop a selfie titled “My ugly mug,” confessing his plan for a “home invasion.” He plotted to chloroform Holly and her husband, producer Dan Baldwin, before binding, kidnapping, and repeatedly raping her. He even showed off his “kidnap kit” in a video, which included handcuffs, ropes, and more.
Undercover Officer Warned of “Imminent Threat”
The undercover US police officer, who infiltrated a group called “Abduct Lovers” on Kik messenger, testified that Plumb posed an “imminent threat.” Plumb openly talked about slitting Holly’s throat and dumping her body in a lake.
Following a joint FBI and UK police raid on Plumb’s Essex flat, authorities seized ropes, shackles, a ball gag, cable ties, and two bottles labelled as chloroform—though the liquid inside was fake.
Convicted on Multiple Charges—Admits “She Is a Fantasy of Mine”
Plumb was convicted on charges of soliciting murder, encouraging kidnap, and rape. Upon arrest, he admitted, “I’m not gonna lie. She is a fantasy of mine.”
Holly, who hosted Dancing On Ice earlier this year, didn’t attend court or give evidence but waived her automatic anonymity as a victim. The court heard Plumb’s phone held over a million photos of Holly and other celebrities, plus a handwritten list of targets kept by his bedside.
Despite expressing remorse during the trial—calling his messages “online fantasy”—the prosecution slammed his plans as “carefully orchestrated” with real-world preparations. Prosecutor Alison Morgan KC highlighted Plumb’s violent history, calling him a man who has clearly “done this for real.”
This harrowing verdict serves as a stark warning about the dangers posed by obsessed individuals online, especially to public figures.
