Holly Willoughby speaks out after man's conviction for plotting to rape and murder her

Holly Willoughby has spoken out following the guilty verdict of the man who plotted to kidnap, rape, and murder her.

Gavin Plumb from Essex broke down in tears at Chelmsford Crown Court as a jury of eight women and four men found him guilty on all charges. Plumb was apprehended after undercover police officers in the U.S. alerted The Metropolitan Police following their conversations with him. In a statement, Holly expressed gratitude to the U.S. undercover officer for thwarting Gavin Plumb's plot, as well as the Crown Prosecution Service and everyone involved in securing the conviction of her would-be kidnapper.

Willoughby said: "As women, we should not be made to feel unsafe going about our daily lives and in our own homes. 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. Thank you to the Crown Prosecution Service, the Rt Hon Mr Justice Murray, Alison Morgan KC, the members of the jury and all involved in this case for ensuring that justice was done and that the defendant will not be able to harm any more women.”

"I would also like to commend the bravery of his previous victims for speaking up at the time. Without their bravery this conviction may not have been possible." 

The jury convicted Plumb on charges of soliciting murder, plotting to kidnap, and plotting to rape. Plumb slumped forward as the first guilty verdict was read. Shaking his head, he then began to weep and sniffle before being escorted away.