Gavin Plumb, who has given a life sentence in prison over a plot to kidnap, rape and murder TV presenter Holly Willoughby, is set to have his appeal bid heard in court next week
The man who was jailed over a plot to kidnap, rape and murder Holly Willoughby is set to be back in court later this month. Security guard Gavin Plumb, 38, was found guilty of soliciting murder and inciting rape and kidnap.
He was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 15 years and 85 days following a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court. Plumb, from Harlow, Essex is now set to have an appeal bid heard in court on October 21.
According to court listings, his case will be heard at the Court of Appeal in London. Court officials had previously said they received applications for permission to appeal against his convictions and the sentence.
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Judge Mr Justice Murray described some of the plans Plumb had discussed online as “particularly sadistic, brutal and degrading”. His plan was revealed after a US undercover cop infiltrated an online group.
He became so concerned about Plumb’s posts that he passed on evidence to the FBI. Police in the UK were contacted by US law enforcement.
Essex Police raided Plumb’s flat where they found bottles of chloroform and an “abduction kit” complete with cable ties. The court heard how Plumb had planned to “ambush” the former This Morning presenter at her family home.
Plumb had argued it was just an online chat and fantasy. Yet, it was dismissed by Mr Justice Murray, who said: “I have no doubt that this was all considerably more than a fantasy to you.”
The court heard how the sinister plan had a ‘life-changing’ impact on Holly, who bravely waived her right to anonymity. In a rare interview earlier this year, Holly courageously opened up on her experience stepping back from the spotlight following the ordeal.
She left This Morning in October 2023 after 14 years on the daytime show. At the time, she said she’d made the decision “for me and my family”.
Speaking about the harrowing ordeal, Holly said: “I wouldn’t wish what happened to me on anybody at all — sometimes things go wrong, but you have to keep going for it because that’s all you can do.
“You have to hold on to, ultimately, [how] all this serves its purpose. A lot of the change has been really good, you know? I’ve spent a long time not being able to take my kids to school,” she told The Sunday Times Style Magazine.
Following Plumb’s sentencing, Holly issued a statement where she praised the Crown Prosecution Service and those involved in convicting him. She said: “As women, we should not be made to feel unsafe going about our daily lives and in our own homes.
“I will forever be grateful to the undercover police officer who understood the imminent threat and to the Metropolitan and Essex police forces for their swift response.
“Thank you to the Crown Prosecution Service, the Rt Hon Mr Justice Murray, Alison Morgan KC, the members of the jury and all involved in this case for ensuring that justice was done and that the defendant will not be able to harm any more women.
“I would also like to commend the bravery of his previous victims for speaking up at the time. Without their bravery, this conviction may not have been possible.”
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Source: Mirror
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