A MAN from Harlow is currently on trial at Chelmsford Crown Court, as the court hears how he plotted to abduct, rape and murder TV personality Holly Willoughby.
Gavin Plumb, 37, is alleged to have assembled a tool kit for ‘highly sexualised’ violence against the former This Morning presenter between 2021 and 2023.
Mr Plumb, a security guard, denies soliciting murder, inciting kidnap and inciting rape.
Prosecutor Alison Morgan KC said: “It was not just the ramblings of a fantasist, the defendant had carefully planned what he would do.
Mr Plumb had apparently developed an obsession with Ms Willoughby over a number of years.
He was arrested after he revealed his plot to an undercover police officer from the US, who he had been talking to online.
Opening the prosecutions case, Ms Morgan said Mr Plumb had spoken to a man known only as Marc about his plan in 2021.
The defendant allegedly told Marc: “I’m going to live out my ultimate fantasy.
“I’m now at the point where fantasy isn’t enough anymore, I want the real thing.”
Mr Plumb allegedly purchased 400 heavy duty metal cable ties online.
The jury was played a voice note of Mr Plumb telling Marc of his intention to undergo his plan at night so there was less traffic.
He spoke of Ms Willoughby and her husband saying: “Chloroform both of them, that way then they can be easily restrained.
"We’re then going to force her to make a video saying she come with us under her own free will and she is fully consenting of everything we do to her – so that covers us.”
Ms Morgan also told of how Mr Plumb had made failed kidnap attempts in 2006 and 2008.
The jury were told that in October 2023 Mr Plumb engaged in an online conversation with a man he believed to be named David Nelson.
Ms Morgan said: “In that discussion, the defendant explained his plans to kidnap, rape and murder the celebrity, Holly Willoughby.”
She said Mr Plumb’s plans were “graphic and were obviously sexually motivated.”
The court were told that Ms Willoughby had waived her right to anonymity during the trial and would not be called as a witness.
The trial, expected to last two weeks, continues.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here