Man accused of plot to abduct British TV presenter searched online for 'how to kidnap celebs'

A British security guard accused of plotting to rape and murder TV presenter Holly Willoughby had trawled online for "how to meet people who plan to kidnap celebrities", a court was told.

Gavin Plumb, 37, has also been accused of asking "what does it feel like to be raped?" and "where (sic) Jewish women raped in the war?", reports the BBC.

Plumb is alleged to have spent two years plotting Willoughby's murder, between 2021 and 2023.

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A trial at Chelmsford Crown Court heard he told an online accomplice, known only as Marc, that he had wanted to attack the television presenter, model and author for three years.

Plumb has denied the charges of soliciting murder, inciting kidnap and inciting rape.

Prosecutor Alison Morgan previously told the court he had an obsession with the television presenter and planned to take her to his home in Essex before killing her in an abandoned building.

The court heard from police officer Detective-Constable William Belsham, that investigators seized Plumb's phone when they arrested him in October 2023 and recovered "millions" of images.

Morgan said there were "vast numbers" of images of Willoughby, including deep fake pornographic pictures, and other celebrities on the device.

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In messages later discovered on the phone, Plumb is also alleged to have discussed the dead BBC presenter Jill Dando, who was shot dead outside her London home in 1999.

The jury was read WhatsApp messages allegedly sent between Plumb and a man only known as Marc, said to be from Ireland, in December 2021.

Details about the alleged plot between the pair were shared, the court heard.

They included Plumb allegedly saying: "Getting her out of London will be the best bet".

Later in the alleged conversation, Marc sent a voice note that said: "Even if we do a home invasion, tie the whole family up and take her.

"Could even... Burn the house down or shoot the rest of the family.

"She may or may not need to know that, but it would make her think that they were alive. Still we'll just take her."

Morgan said "sexualised discussions" of a "violent description" continued into 2022.

Plumb's defence is expected to begin next week. The trial continues.