Security guard accused of Holly Willoughby murder plot ‘searched how to kidnap online’
A security guard accused of masterminding a plot to kidnap, rape and murder TV presenter Holly Willoughby searched on Google for “how to meet people who plan to kidnap celebrities”, a court heard.
Gavin Plumb’s online searches and messages were read to a jury on Tuesday. In them, he said he would make Willoughby give “full permission” for him and another man to “do as we please to her”.
Chelmsford Crown Court heard the 37-year-old had told another man on WhatsApp, who went by the name of Marc, that he would track the star’s movements for a “simple place to strike but a home invasion is a better idea”.
Plumb also allegedly searched online for “what does it feel like to be raped” and “where [sic] Jewish women raped in the war”.
The defendant is accused of attempting to live his “ultimate fantasy” and was described by the prosecution as someone who had an “obsession” with Ms Willoughby.
‘I’m looking forward to it’
Asked in Dec 2021 by Marc, who is believed to be from Ireland, how long he had wanted to rape the TV presenter, the defendant replied: “About three years, but people claim to want to and then back out.”
A few days later, a message from Plumb read: “Is it wrong I’m looking forward to it?”
Alison Morgan KC, prosecuting, went through a file of Plumb’s communications in front of jurors with Det Con William Belsham of Essex Police in the witness box.
The officer agreed with the barrister that Plumb was using a mobile phone when he was arrested on Oct 4 last year and that officers kept it unlocked while they filmed some of the messages on it using body-worn cameras.
He said that Plumb did not initially provide a PIN for the device, but that this was later provided through his legal representatives and officers sent the phone for a full download.
‘A home invasion’
In one set of WhatsApp messages which appeared to discuss how a kidnapping would work, the defendant wrote: “That’s all I need to do got a rough idea her address so it’s find it track her movements for a simple place to strike but a home invasion is a better idea.”
A further message from Plumb, read to jurors, said: “There is some blind spots to hop the wall.”
A voice note played to the jury also made reference to how he would tie Ms Willoughby’s family up and remove her.
Plumb denies soliciting murder, incitement to rape and incitement to kidnap. The trial continues.
