A security guard accused of trying to kidnap, rape and murder Holly Willoughby was sexually aroused by his “real-life” plot, a court has heard, with prosecutors arguing the “boring” content of his messages was evidence of his guilt.
Wednesday 3 July 2024 09:29, UK
A security guard accused of attempting to kidnap, rape and murder Holly Willoughby “went to every possible step” to suggest his plan was more than just a fantasy, a court heard.
A jury at Chelmsford Crown Court heard on Monday that Gavin Plumb's sexual motivation was clear from the “horrifying messages” he sent online.
Prosecutor Alison Morgan said Plumb, 37, who went by the online username Big Bear, swore it was “really happening” when an undercover officer sent him images of a flight booking.
“Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, this is what the defendant said when he realized that an individual named David Nelson was serious about joining in a plot to attack Holly Willoughby,” she said in her closing argument.
“It's really happening.”
“When he believed that David Nelson had just booked a flight to depart the United States and take part in the attack, that is really what was happening.”
“He didn't say, 'Don't do that, I was just joking.' He didn't say, 'This is just a fantasy, you haven't bought a plane ticket.'”
“He's not saying, 'I don't really trust you because the name on the flight reservation doesn't match the username.'”
Morgan also referred to Plumb's previous convictions, which he argued showed he had a “propensity” to engage in acts of control and terrorism towards women.
The moment Gavin Plumb was arrested
He was the man who “really did this,” she told jurors.
“He intimidated, subjugated, threatened and held real women against their will,” she said.
“He was carrying a weapon for that purpose. He was carrying a rope for that purpose.”
“There are people out there right now who were intimidated and inspired by this man, and he was trying to learn how to never make the same mistake again.”
“I want to stop him from making the same mistake that would make women run away from him.”
Boring details provide clues
She added that the “boring details” in Plum's message are what “tells you it's real.”
read more:
The moment Gavin Plumb was arrested is shown in court
The Willoughby kidnapping suspect was a member of a “kidnapping enthusiasts” group.
Follow Sky News on WhatsApp
Follow Sky News for the latest UK and world news
Tap here
Morgan gave the example of Plumb writing, “He won't be able to take vacation until early February, so when he does, we can take vacation too.”
“What is sexually satisfying about reserving a date and time on your day off from work?” the prosecutor said.
Plumb, of Harlow, Essex, denies charges of soliciting murder, soliciting rape and soliciting kidnapping.
The trial continues.
This is a limited version of the story, so unfortunately this content is no longer available.
Open the full version