Gavin Plumb a ‘dangerous predator’, say police after security guard found guilty of Holly Willoughby rape and murder plot

A security guard who was found guilty of masterminding “graphic” plans to kidnap, rape and murder TV presenter Holly Willoughby has been described as a dangerous predator”.

Gavin Plumb developed an “obsession” with the star over a number of years and assembled an “abduction kit” – complete with handcuffs and metal cable ties – to help carry out his attack.

A jury at Chelmsford Crown Court dismissed the 37-year-old’s defence that his plans were a “mere fantasy”, agreeing with the prosecution that he was a “prolific liar who sought to minimise the extent of his criminality”.

Following the guilty verdicts on Thursday (4 July), 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.”