Holly Willoughby murder plotter had '130 other names on his list' in chilling revelation

Wales Online

01-05-2025

Holly Willoughby murder plotter had '130 other names on his list' in chilling revelation
A new Channel 5 documentary is set to explore the terrifying case of Gavin Plumb, who plotted to kidnap, rape and murder Holly Willoughby, and had a list of more than 130 potential victims
Last year, jurors heard how Plumb had been planning the terrifying attack since 2021
(Image: Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty I )
A man who conspired to kidnap, rape and murder Holly Willoughby reportedly had over 130 other individuals on his list of potential victims.
In a new documentary by Channel 5, Philip Grindell, a former Metropolitan Police officer with 30 years of service, discusses the case of Gavin Plumb, a 37-year-old man from Essex who planned to abduct, sexually assault and kill the ex-This Morning presenter.
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Last year, the court heard how Plumb had been planning this horrifying attack since 2021, having developed an obsession with the celebrity over the years. Chelmsford Crown Court sentenced Plumb to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 16 years.
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Plumb, who discussed his kidnap plans online, having joined forums like one titled 'Abduct Lovers', reportedly had thousands of pictures of Holly on his phone and had gathered information on her movements.
Philip detailed how the police received information that Plumb was a threat after he posted his plans on the internet. He also highlighted an "immediate red flag" when Plumb, who has prior convictions for attempted kidnapping, mentioned murder.
Gavin Plumb reportedly had more than 130 names on his list of potential targets
(Image: PA )
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It was proposed that the security guard, hailing from Harlow, Essex, intended to employ "serious violence", and when the police raided his residence, his unlocked phone enabled them to "make an assessment". However, what they discovered next was equally disturbing.
Philip revealed the extent of the suspect's disturbing behaviour: "And so when they were able to look at his mobile phone and see images that he'd saved of Holly Willoughby - I think it's over, you know, 10,000 or something - it allows them very quickly to make an assessment.
"They're in the right place; it's the right person. They know they're on the right track. During the search, they find a list in his bedside cabinet, which has over 130 names on it, of people he is also interested in or has some fixation on.
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"At that stage, they won't know how much of a fixation, which ones he's targeting. Are any of those other people at greater risk? You don't know who else he's engaging with. Does he have co-conspirators? Who's at risk here?".
In a press release issued last year, Essex Police described how Plumb spoke online about his intentions to restrain his victim and even bought chloroform, cable ties and ropes.
Philip explained how police received intelligence that Plumb posed a threat after he shared his plans online
(Image: Dave J. Hogan/Getty Images )
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An undercover officer from the US acted decisively, alerting the FBI and the UK authorities about Plumb's heinous intentions after he tried to enlist the officer's help with his plot online.
Plumb, who was arrested at his home in 2023, will serve at least 15 years and 85 days in prison, due to the time he spent on remand prior to his trial, reports the BBC.
Detective Chief Inspector Greg Wood from Essex Police spoke out, stating: "He tried to claim throughout the trial that he was an obsessive fan and a fantasist – that is simply not true.
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"He planned this attack on Ms Willoughby over a two-year period, scoping her movements, seeking to elicit help from others to carry out his wicked plan, buying chloroform and other items to incapacitate, restrain and inflict violence upon her.
"He is no fantasist - he's a calculated, violent, sexual predator who has spent his adult life inflicting or plotting to inflict harm on women."
The Plot To Kill Holly Willoughby, Thursday 1st May at 9pm. Watch | Stream on 5.