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Gavin Plumb, a security guard convicted of plotting to kidnap, rape, and murder television presenter Holly Willoughby, is scheduled to have his appeal heard in October.
Plumb was found guilty of soliciting murder and inciting rape and kidnap following a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court.
The 38-year-old, a resident of Harlow, Essex, received a life sentence in July 2024, with a minimum term of 16 years.
Court of Appeal listings in London indicate that his appeal against the conviction is set to be heard on October 21.
During the sentencing, Judge Mr. Justice Murray characterized some of Plumb’s online discussions as “sadistic, brutal and degrading.”
Plumb’s apprehension resulted from an undercover operation by a U.S. police officer who infiltrated the online chatroom “Abduct Lovers.”
The officer, alarmed by Plumb’s posts detailing his “ultimate fantasy” of violence against Ms. Willoughby, relayed the information to the FBI.
U.S. law enforcement subsequently contacted British police, leading to a raid on Plumb’s apartment in Potters Field, where an “abduction kit,” including cable ties and chloroform, was discovered.
The court heard that Plumb’s plan involved an “ambush” of Ms. Willoughby at her family home, with discussions including taking time off work to orchestrate the attack.
Jurors were also informed of his prior convictions for attempted kidnap and the “millions” of images of Ms. Willoughby found on a device at his residence.
Throughout the eight-day trial, Plumb maintained that his actions were merely online chat and fantasy.
However, Mr. Justice Murray refuted this, stating, “I have no doubt this was all considerably more than a fantasy to you.”
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