Security guard Gavin Plumb, who plotted to kidnap, rape, and murder TV host Holly Willoughby, has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 16 years following an eight-day trial where he was found guilty of soliciting murder, kidnapping, and rape.
Plumb shared his plans in an online group chat called “Abduct Lovers” and was caught by an undercover US police officer who reported his posts to the FBI. Police raided Plumb’s flat and discovered an “abduction kit” with cable ties and chloroform.
Willoughby, a prominent TV personality in the UK, resigned from “This Morning” after Plumb’s arrest, thanking her colleagues, viewers, and guests for their support and company over the years. She made the decision to leave the show for the sake of her family. Willoughby later returned to ITV to host “Dancing on Ice.”
Judge Edward Murray described Plumb’s plans as too horrifying and graphic to be shared publicly, and shared them privately with the jury during the trial. He referred to the plans as sadistic, brutal, and degrading, stating that they were more than just a fantasy. Plumb’s sentencing reflects the severity of his intentions towards Willoughby.
In response to the terrifying ordeal, Willoughby expressed gratitude for the support she received and the opportunity to continue her career with a new show. Plumb’s disturbing plot served as a wakeup call for heightened security measures in the entertainment industry.
In his sentencing, Justice Murray said, “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.”