British man convicted over plot to kidnap Holly Willoughby

A British security guard has been found guilty of a plot to kidnap, rape and murder UK television presenter Holly Willoughby.

Over the course of two years, Essex man Gavin Plumb planned how he would kidnap This Morning, but the 37-year-old’s plans were foiled when he was arrested after unwittingly revealing the kidnapping to an undercover US police officer.

“Gavin Plumb is a dangerous, predatory individual who was intent on causing the most serious harm to his victim,” Essex Police’s senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Greg Wood said.

“He was not just simply obsessed with Holly Willoughby, he meticulously and carefully planned, over a number of years, to carry out a depraved and violent attack, in which he plotted to deprive her of her liberty and ultimately her life.

“His claims in court that he was a ‘fantasist’ are simply not true and were evidenced by the extent with which he plotted with others to carry out his wicked plan.”

The BBC had previously reported Plumb told arresting officers: “I’m not going to lie, [Holly Willoughby] is a fantasy of mine.”

Willoughby thanked authorities involved in the case.

“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,” she said.

“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.”

Following the arrest of Plumb, Willoughby quit the ITV morning program after 14 years, saying it was a decision for “me and my family”.

Plumb was remanded in custody, to be sentenced in July.

Source: ABC