US Undercover Agent Thwarts Plan to Kidnap British TV Host

A British man was convicted on Thursday of plotting to kidnap and harm Holly Willoughby, a well-known British TV presenter. The conviction followed an investigation by an undercover American police officer.

Gavin Plumb, 37, of Harlow, Essex, was found guilty after an eight-day trial at Chelmsford Crown Court. The court was presented with evidence showing Plumb’s intentions to carry out his plot against the former ITV star, which he discussed in an online group named “Abduct Lovers.”

The plot was discovered when an undercover officer from the U.S., using the pseudonym David Nelson, infiltrated the group. Nelson, an expert in identifying and preventing violent crimes, reported Plumb’s plans to the FBI on October 3, 2023. The FBI alerted Essex Police, who arrested Plumb the following day.

Nelson testified via videolink, revealing that Plumb had posted photos of Willoughby in the group, expressing his desire to target her. Nelson engaged Plumb in conversations where Plumb detailed his plan to break into Willoughby’s home, incapacitate her and her husband, and kidnap her.

Plumb’s defense attorney, Sasha Wass, argued that the online posts were fantasies. However, Prosecutor Nicola Rice highlighted the dangerous nature of Plumb’s intentions, describing his plot as “chilling.”

Plumb has a criminal history, including convictions for trying to force air hostesses off a train and detaining two teenage girls.

Willoughby, after being informed of the plot, left her position on ITV’s This Morning show in October 2023 and received continuous police protection. She thanked the undercover officer and the police for their swift actions.