Man Sentenced for Plotting RapeTV Star Holly Willoughby

Gavin Plumb, 37, received a life sentence on Friday for his plot to kidnap, rape, and murder Holly Willoughby, one of the United Kingdom’s most renowned television personalities. The sentencing took place at Chelmsford Crown Court, located about 40 miles east of London. Judge Edward Murray decreed that Plumb must serve a minimum of 16 years before being eligible for parole.

Judge Murray condemned Plumb’s “unhealthy sexual obsession” with Holly Willoughby, which led to his elaborate and horrifying plan. Plumb intended to ambush Willoughby at her family home, inflict harm on her husband and children, and ultimately kidnap, rape, and murder her. The judge described Plumb’s plans as “horrifying, shocking, and graphic,” noting that the full details were too disturbing to share in open court.

Though Willoughby’s impact statement was not read aloud in court, Judge Murray highlighted the “catastrophic and life-changing” effects of Plumb’s plot on both her personal and professional life. The 43-year-old TV personality, known for her long-standing role on ITV’s “This Morning,” temporarily stepped down following Plumb’s arrest. She did return to co-host “Dancing on Ice” earlier this year.

Plumb’s sinister plans were uncovered when a U.S. undercover police officer infiltrated an online group called “Abduct Lovers.” Concerned by Plumb’s posts, the officer, using the pseudonym David Nelson, reported the evidence to the FBI. Plumb’s admission of his serious intent to kidnap Willoughby prompted U.S. law enforcement to alert their U.K. counterparts.

When Essex police raided Plumb’s flat in north London, they discovered bottles of chloroform and an “abduction kit” containing cable ties. Upon his arrest, Plumb admitted to officers that Willoughby was a “fantasy” of his.

Despite his prior convictions for attempted kidnap, Plumb argued that his detailed plan was mere online fantasy. The court, however, found his intentions to be genuine and dangerous. Willoughby waived her right to anonymity in connection with the charge against Plumb of assisting or encouraging rape, highlighting the severity of the case.

Detective Chief Inspector Greg Wood, the senior investigating officer from Essex Police, emphasized the case’s significance in addressing misogyny and violence against women and girls. “It cannot be right that men like Gavin Plumb are able to join online forums where they freely vent their hatred towards women and girls and plot to cause them harm,” Wood stated. He called for societal action to combat misogyny and violence.

The life sentence handed to Gavin Plumb underscores the seriousness of his crimes and serves as a warning against the dangers of online forums that promote violence and hatred. Holly Willoughby’s bravery in waiving her right to anonymity and the diligent work of law enforcement highlight the ongoing need to protect women and girls from such threats.