CHILLING ‘PLOT’
THE man accused of plotting to kidnap and murder Holly Willoughby had allegedly calculated a "detailed plan".
Gavin Plumb, 36, yesterday appeared in court after police swooped on his Essex home earlier this week.
4
4
The 35-stone father of two was arrested after cops got a tip-off about his alleged plot.
Officers were understood to have found chloroform, cable ties, a blindfold and ropes at Plumb’s home when they raided it.
They believed this could have been part of a “kidnap and restraint kit”.
It emerged cops also believe Plumb tried to recruit a hitman in the US to carry out the plot.
Read more on showbiz
Officers thought the 'hitman' was set to travel to the UK to carry out the plan as early as next week.
After swooping on Plumb's home, police charged him with soliciting to commit murder and incitement to commit kidnap.
The 36-year-old yesterday appeared in Chelmsford magistrates’ court wearing a green T-shirt with the slogan “Aged to Perfection”.
He spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, address and where he worked.
Most read in Showbiz
Prosecuting, Shefa Begum told the court: “In this matter, he’s made detailed plans with another to kidnap and murder.
"He had arranged flights and transfers for these offences to be carried out.”
Plumb was denied bail by district judge Caroline Jackson and will appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on November 3.
He worked at Pinnacles Shopping Centre in Harlow, Essex, having previously had to quit jobs at Pizza Hut and McDonald’s because of his ballooning weight.
This Morning presenter Holly, 42, has been under round-the-clock surveillance since details of the alleged plot emerged.
Police officers have been stationed outside the London home she shares with husband Dan Baldwin and their three children.
ITV are also understood to be providing security and support.
Bosses at This Morning were alerted to the alleged plot on Thursday morning and the presenter decided to pull out shortly before she was due on air.
On the show yesterday, regular Friday presenter Dermot O’Leary said: “We are not going to talk too much about it but Holly is on the front pages after police arrested a 36-year-old man over an alleged kidnap plot.”
4
4