Gavin Plumb, was caught after a US undercover policeman infiltrated an online group called ‘Abduct Lovers’. Plumb saw the officer, who was using the pseudonym David Nelson, as a possible accomplice and told him that he was “definitely serious” about his plans.
The officer became so concerned about Plumb's posts about kidnapping the TV presenter that he passed on the evidence to the FBI and then the UK police force.
When Essex Police officers arrested Plumb he said "I'm not gonna lie, she is a fantasy of mine." When searching the 37-year-old’s flat they made the discovery of an “abduction kit” complete with handcuffs and cable ties.
Plumb plotted to “ambush” Ms Willoughby at her family home and discussed in the group chat his plan to take her to a “dungeon” type room.
Prosecutors described Plumb's plot as "carefully planned", pointing to the “abduction kit” he had bought as well as the lengths to which he had gone to find out when Willoughby did not have security.
Alleged victims or targets of sex offences have the right to remain anonymous, a right which Ms Willoughby has waived.
Plumb had previously been convicted of false imprisonment and attempted kidnapping.
Plumb's defence argued that the plot was just a fantasy held in online chat groups.
“We say, more broadly, that offending of this type, as Ms Willoughby said in her public statement, has a broader impact on women.” The prosecution told the court. “Women should not feel unsafe when going about their daily lives.”
Turning to the offending of Plumb, Ms Morgan said: “My Lord knows of the extreme and gratuitous degradation of the victim that was planned by this defendant."
Plum was found guilty earlier this month of soliciting murder and inciting rape and kidnap.
“As women, we should not be made to feel unsafe going about our daily lives and in our own homes,” Willoughby said in her statement. “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.”
