Gavin Plumb Jailed for Life Over ‘Depraved and Vile’ Plot to Murder Holly Willoughby

Security guard Gavin Plumb has been sentenced to life in prison after his plot to kidnap, rape, and murder TV presenter Holly Willoughby was uncovered. This plot, which has left Willoughby with a “life-changing” impact, was met with widespread condemnation and concern.

Plumb was unanimously convicted of soliciting murder and inciting rape and kidnap following a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court. On Friday, he was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 16 years. The judge highlighted the severe risk Plumb poses to all women, despite his offenses targeting only one individual.

Mr. Justice Edward Murray, who presided over the case, stated, “There is no doubt that if you had genuinely found one or more accomplices who were seriously interested in and had been willing to join you in carrying your plan through, then you would have put this plan into action.” He added, “Over a number of years, you pursued an unhealthy sexual obsession with Holly Willoughby that led you ultimately to plan over that period to kidnap, to rape, and to murder her. You intended to harm her husband and her children as part of your plan.”

Plumb, 37, had previously been convicted of threatening sexual violence against four different young women, which further cemented the court’s perception of him as a dangerous individual. His elaborate plan was thwarted after a US undercover police officer infiltrated an online group called Abduct Lovers and reported Plumb’s alarming posts to the FBI. This information was then relayed to UK police, leading to Plumb’s arrest.

When Essex Police raided Plumb’s flat in Harlow, they discovered bottles of chloroform and an ‘abduction kit’ complete with cable ties. Additionally, more than 10,000 images of Willoughby were found on Plumb’s phone, highlighting the extent of his obsession.

Prosecutor Alison Morgan KC, during Plumb’s sentencing hearing, revealed the profound impact of these offenses on Willoughby. She stated, “It is abundantly clear that the impact of this offending has been life-changing for the victim of these offenses – both in private and personal terms.” She emphasized that the extent of the shock and fear caused by this incident was impossible to convey fully.

Willoughby, 43, made a public statement shortly after Plumb’s conviction, asserting, “As women, we should not be made to feel unsafe going about our daily lives and in our own home.” She thanked the undercover police and the Crown Prosecution Service “for ensuring that justice was done and that the defendant will not be able to harm any more women.”

Plumb’s defense barrister, Sasha Wass KC, acknowledged his unhealthy obsession with Willoughby, describing it as “warped and bizarre.” Despite his conviction, Plumb remains embarrassed and ashamed of his actions, expressing devastation over the pain he caused Willoughby.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by obsessive behavior and the importance of vigilance in protecting potential victims from harm.