Holly Willoughby has shared a statement after the man who plotted to kidnap, rape and murder her was found guilty.
Gavin Plumb, a security guard, was arrested last October. Earlier today, he was found guilty of planning the attack on Holly.
Now, the TV presenter has shared a statement welcoming the guilty verdict.
Holly Willoughby kidnap trial verdict
Last October, Plumb, 37, was arrested after plotting to kidnap, rape, and kill Holly.
Holly quit This Morning at the same time and didn’t return to the telly until Dancing On Ice earlier this year.
Last week, Plumb’s trial began at Chelmsford Crown Court.
The former security guard was accused of soliciting murder and inciting rape and kidnap.
During the trial, the court heard how Plumb had previous convictions for attempted kidnap. He once attempted to abduct two women off a train.
He also had two previous convictions for false imprisonment after holding two 16-year-old girls at knifepoint.
Gavin Plumb found guilty
The court also heard how Plumb had been having graphic and sexualised conversations online about attacking Holly since December 2021.
In messages shown in court, Plumb shared pictures of Holly’s home, fake porn images of the star, and even discussed booking time off work to put his plan in action.
During conversations with an undercover officer he befriended online – who later alerted authorities about Plumb’s plans – the security guard shared pictures of a “kidnap kit” he owned. This kit included manacles and whips.
Holly Willoughby kidnap trial: Plumb found guilty
In court, Plumb said he was “sorry” for the contents of his messages.
“I’m absolutely heartbroken, disgusted and shocked that it has come out,” he said.
He also added that it was nothing more than online chat “was never going to be anything more than a fantasy”.
However, Prosecutor Alison Morgan KC told the jury “It was not just the ramblings of a fantasist”. She also added that Plumb had carefully planned out what he would do and what items he would use to carry out the attack.
The jury unanimously convicted him of soliciting murder and inciting rape and kidnap.
Holly Willoughby breaks silence
Now Holly has broken her silence.
In a statement, she said: “As women we should not be made to feel unsafe going about our daily lives and in our own homes. I will forever be grateful to the undercover police officer who understood the imminent threat, and to the Metropolitan and Essex police forces for their swift response.
“Thank you to the Crown Prosecution Service, the Rt Hon Mr Justice Murray, Alison Morgan KC, the members of the jury and all involved in this case for ensuring that justice was done and that the defendant will not be able to harm any more women.
“I would also like to commend the bravery of his previous victims for speaking up at the time. Without their bravery this conviction may not have been possible.”
He will be sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday, July 12.
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