Man sentenced to life for plotting attack on UK TV star Holly Willoughby
A man who planned to kidnap, rape, and murder one of the UK’s top celebrities, Holly Willoughby, was sentenced to life in prison on Friday, with a minimum jail term of 15 years. Gavin Plumb, 37, was found guilty last week of plotting to “ambush” the television presenter at her home and take her to a dungeon-like room.
Investigation and arrest
Plumb was apprehended after a US undercover police officer infiltrated an online group where Plumb discussed his plans. The officer forwarded Plumb’s posts to the FBI, who then alerted UK authorities. British police raided Plumb’s home in Harlow, southeast England, where they discovered an “abduction kit” containing cable ties and chloroform.
Impact on the victim
Judge Edward Murray described Willoughby as a “well-known and well-loved public figure.” In her victim impact statement, Willoughby said the case had a “life-changing” impact on her. “It is clear, the prosecution submits, … that the extent of the shock and fear caused by this offending has been impossible to convey,” said prosecutor Alison Morgan.
Morgan also revealed that the media had not reported the full extent of Plumb’s plans because they were “so depraved and vile.” The court was informed that Plumb had also intended to harm Willoughby’s husband and children.
History of violent behavior
Plumb, who has previous convictions for kidnapping and false imprisonment, told the undercover officer that he planned to slit Willoughby’s throat, attempting to recruit the officer into his plot. Plumb’s legal team argued that he “worshipped and was obsessed” with Willoughby and was “devastated to be the cause of such pain to her.”
Prosecution and sentencing
Nicola Rice, a specialist prosecutor with the Crown Prosecution Service, described Plumb as “a dangerous man who plotted unspeakable violence against one of the nation’s most familiar faces. Despite his attempts to pass himself off as a harmless fantasist, the prosecution persuaded the jury that Plumb posed a very real threat,” she added.
In England and Wales, a life sentence lasts until the prisoner dies, but most cases involve a minimum term set by the judge, after which the prisoner can become eligible for parole.