Gavin Plumb guilty of plotting to kidnap, rape and murder TV presenter Holly Willoughby

Security guard Gavin Plumb has been found guilty at Chelmsford Crown Court of masterminding a plot to kidnap, rape and murder TV presenter Holly Willoughby. Plumb slowly shook his head and looked down at the floor as the verdict was read out.

Mr Justice Murray asked the 37-year-old to stand and then said: “You have been found guilty on all three counts on the indictment. You are remanded in custody to await the sentence hearing which is fixed for next Friday.”

Plumb, wearing a grey jumper, began to weep as he was sent down to the cells, sniffling as he tried to hold back tears. Addressing jurors, Mr Justice Murray said: “The criminal justice system depends crucially on members of the public stepping up and serving as jurors and your work is crucial.”

Nicola Rice, a specialist prosecutor in the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Gavin Plumb is 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.

“The chilling details of his plans were laid bear with the help of an undercover officer from the US who alerted the FBI to the threat, and the seriousness of Plumb’s scheme was exposed when the prosecution successfully applied to tell the jury about Plumb’s previous convictions.

“I hope his conviction brings some comfort to Holly Willoughby and her family, and shows others that the Crown Prosecution Service will always seek the strongest possible charges against those who plot violence against women.”

The prosecution will be applying for a restraining order and a sexual harm prevention order at Gavin Plumb’s sentencing, prosecutor Ros Earis said.

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

“Plumb also had a history of attacking other women, attempting to kidnap them using weapons and threats of violence. He is a dangerous man and I have no doubt he was determined to carry out the acts he planned.

“Today, we are extremely grateful to our law enforcement colleague in America who not only brought Gavin Plumb to our attention, but helped gather the vital evidence that secured his conviction. We would also like to thank the victim who has courageously supported this case throughout and bravely waived her anonymity.

“Today, Gavin Plumb remains where he belongs – behind bars. At Essex Police we will continue to do all we can to seek out those intent on causing violence and harm to women and girls and, like this defendant, put them behind bars. There is simply no place for dangerous individuals like him on either the streets of Essex, or wider society, and we will do all we can to continue to make our communities safe for all.”

Plumb will be sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday July 12.