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.”