In a series of messages presented to the jury, Gavin Plumb shared deepfake pornographic images, photographs of Holly Willoughby’s residence, and discussed taking time off work to execute his plan. A judge described his scheme as “sadistic” but noted it was unlikely to have succeeded.
A security guard has been sentenced to life imprisonment for plotting to kidnap, rape, and murder television presenter Holly Willoughby. Gavin Plumb, aged 37, developed an obsession with Willoughby, who was then the host of “This Morning.” She left the ITV show after 14 years following his arrest.
Mr. Justice Edward Murray informed Plumb that he had planned a “sadistic, brutal, and degrading” attack on Willoughby, intending also to “harm her husband and children.” The judge remarked that the plot was so “horrifying, shocking, and graphic” that many details were withheld from the public court proceedings.
“You are dangerous,” the judge stated, sentencing Plumb to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 15 years and 85 days.
Prosecutor Alison Morgan KC told Chelmsford Crown Court that Plumb’s actions had profoundly affected Willoughby’s career and personal life. Although the presenter chose to keep her full statement about the impact of his crimes private, Morgan emphasized the significant shock and fear caused by Plumb’s offenses.
In sentencing Plumb, Mr. Justice Murray acknowledged the significant change in Willoughby’s life due to his crimes and commended her for the “considerable courage” she showed by waiving her right to anonymity.
The judge highlighted the unrealistic nature of Plumb’s plan, citing his poor physical health as one of the reasons it was unlikely to succeed. He dismissed Plumb’s defense that he bought chloroform to clean a carpet stain as a “particularly clumsy and obvious lie.”
Plumb remained expressionless as he received his sentence, but as he was escorted to the cells, he made a gesture of exasperation by raising both hands.
