A former security guard who plotted to kidnap, rape and murder TV presenter Holly Willoughby has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 16 years. Gavin Plumb, 37, was described by the judge as 'dangerous' after he meticulously planned a 'home invasion' at Willoughby's property.
Plumb intended to tie up the This Morning star, rape her in front of her family, and then kill her before disposing of her body in an abandoned building on the outskirts of London. He had amassed over 10,000 images of Willoughby, including deepfake pornography, and discussed his plan with someone he believed was an accomplice but was in fact an undercover US police officer.
The court heard that Plumb had previous convictions for attempted kidnap and false imprisonment, including trying to force two female airline workers off trains with a fake gun in 2006 and attempting to tie up two teenage girls in a Woolworths stock room in 2008. He was found guilty last week of soliciting murder, encouraging or assisting kidnap, and encouraging or assisting rape.
Prosecutor Alison Morgan KC said Willoughby's victim personal statement set out the 'catastrophic impact' of the offences, which had been 'life-changing' for her both personally and professionally. Willoughby stepped down from This Morning six days after Plumb's arrest in October 2023 but has since returned to screens as co-host of Dancing on Ice.
Sentencing at Chelmsford Crown Court, Mr Justice Murray said Plumb had pursued an 'unhealthy sexual obsession' with Willoughby over several years, and that the jury had seen through his lies. The minimum term of 16 years was reduced by 280 days already spent on remand, leaving 15 years and 85 days remaining.
