Twisted Guard’s Sick Plot to Kidnap and Murder Holly Willoughby Thwarted

Life Sentence Stands for Security Guard’s Heinous Scheme

A deranged security guard who plotted to kidnap, rape, and murder TV favourite Holly Willoughby has had his life sentence upheld. Gavin Plumb, 38, was handed a life term with a minimum of 16 years last July after being found guilty of soliciting murder and encouraging others to kidnap and rape the presenter.

During a police raid on Plumb’s flat in Harlow, Essex officers uncovered bottles of chloroform and an “abduction kit” packed with cable ties. Evidence showed he planned to ambush Holly at her family home, even plotting to take time off work to carry out his depraved plan.

Plumb claimed it was all fantasy. But Mr Justice Murray slammed the plot as “particularly sadistic, brutal and degrading,” ruling it was “considerably more than fantasy.”

Appeal Rejected as Judges Brand Plumb a Dangerous Threat

Desperate to cut his sentence, Plumb appealed at London’s Royal Courts of Justice, arguing it was “manifestly excessive.” But the panel of judges swiftly dismissed it.

Lord Justice Edis declared: “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.” He described the original life sentence as “unimpeachable.”

Crown Prosecution: Life Term Crucial to Protect the Public

Alison Morgan KC, prosecuting for the Crown, said Plumb’s crimes had “life-changing consequences” for Holly Willoughby.

“The harm intended was of the very highest level,” she told the court. “The risk posed could not be met with anything other than a life sentence.”

How Plumb’s Twisted Obsession Was Exposed

The plot was uncovered after an undercover US officer infiltrated ‘Abduct Lovers’, a disturbing online group. Operating under the alias ‘David Nelson,’ the officer confirmed Plumb’s intent to kidnap Holly.

US authorities alerted the FBI, who quickly contacted UK police. When arrested in October 2023, Plumb chillingly admitted: “I’m not gonna lie, she is a fantasy of mine.”

Sick History of Abduction Attempts and Obsession with Celebs

Plumb’s depravity goes back years. In 2008, he was jailed for holding a 16-year-old at knifepoint and trying to kidnap cabin crew from trains. Released, his fixation shifted to female celebrities.

He hoarded millions of images of Holly and other stars online. He tracked her movements and stocked up on chloroform, handcuffs, shackles, and 400 heavy-duty cable ties. He even shared chilling videos of his “restraint kit” with the undercover officer, thinking he had an accomplice.

Holly Willoughby Responds: Grateful for Police Intervention

The beloved presenter, who stepped down from This Morning after the plot emerged, thanked the police for stopping the horrifying plan.

“As women, we should not be made to feel unsafe going about our daily lives and in our own homes,” Holly said. “I will forever be grateful to the undercover officer who understood the imminent threat and to the police for their swift response.”

Thanks to sharp police work, this vile predator’s darkest dreams will remain just that – locked away behind bars for years to come.