A man convicted of plotting to kidnap, rape, and murder former This Morning host Holly Willoughby has been discovered with a stash of her pictures in his prison cell. Gavin Plumb, 39, is currently serving a 16-year sentence at HMP Long Lartin in Worcestershire for his sinister plans.
Details of the Offence
Plumb, a former security guard from Essex, was convicted in July 2024 of soliciting murder and encouraging or assisting others to rape and kidnap Willoughby. His plot involved attempting to ambush the 45-year-old presenter at her family home, taking time off work to organise the attack. He then planned to take her to an isolated stud farm to sexually torture and murder her before disposing of her body in a lake.
Discovery in Prison
It is understood that the images of Willoughby found in Plumb's possession had been cut out from magazines. A source told The Sun: “Plumb is still obsessed with Holly. He should not have been allowed access to images of her.” As a result of the discovery, Plumb has lost his prison privileges. The insider added: “Plumb was going round and collecting TV magazines from other inmates on his landing and scouring them for pictures of Holly. No one was that surprised because Plumb makes no attempt to hide his obsession with her.”
Plumb is said to have laughed about the images with his friend, Steve Wright, known as the Suffolk Strangler, who is serving life for the murders of five women in Ipswich in 2006.
Appeal Dismissed
Last year, Plumb's challenge against his sentence was dismissed at the Court of Appeal. Lord Justice Edis explained the decision, stating: “He was not only inciting one potential accomplice, he was inciting one after another, after another – hoping to find one who would actually help. This is a case where the offender clearly is dangerous and where there is no way of knowing when or if ever that will cease to be the case.”
