A man has been found guilty of planning to kidnap, rape, and murder Holly Willoughby.
Gavin Plumb, 37, broke into tears when the verdict was announced at Chelmsford Crown Court today. A jury consisting of eight women and four men found Plumb guilty on charges of soliciting murder, plotting to kidnap, and plotting to rape.
According to the PA news agency, Plumb shook his head slowly and stared at the floor as the verdict was read. He then started to cry as he was taken to the cells.
After the verdict, Nicola Rice, a specialist prosecutor in the Crown Prosecution Service, stated: “Gavin Plumb is a dangerous man who planned horrific violence against one of the nation’s most recognizable faces.
“Despite his attempts to present himself as a harmless fantasist, the prosecution convinced the jury that Plumb was a real threat. The frightening details of his plans were revealed with the help of an undercover officer from the US who alerted the FBI to the threat.
The seriousness of Plumb’s scheme was further exposed when the prosecution successfully informed the jury about Plumb’s previous convictions.
“I hope his conviction provides some comfort to Holly Willoughby and her family, and demonstrates that the Crown Prosecution Service will always pursue the strongest possible charges against those who plan violence against women.”
Prosecutor Ros Earis mentioned that the prosecution will seek a restraining order and a sexual harm prevention order at Gavin Plumb’s sentencing.
The sentencing is scheduled for July 12.
