Gavin Plumb, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for plotting to kidnap, rape, and murder television presenter Holly Willoughby, may be granted temporary release from his category A prison to attend his mother's funeral. Plumb's mother, Carol, died in March after a battle with cancer. Insiders report that Plumb, described as a "mummy's boy," was devastated upon learning of her death when he telephoned home.
Plumb was arrested in 2023 after an undercover U.S. police officer alerted British authorities to his online plot. At the time of his arrest, he confessed in an internet chat room, "Getting her has been my ultimate fantasy for way too long... I want the real thing." Police uncovered more than 10,000 images of Willoughby and deep-fake pornography featuring her in his possession. He was found guilty of offenses including soliciting murder, inciting kidnap, and rape, and was sentenced to life imprisonment.
While his mother remained loyal, she reportedly expressed disgust at his actions. "You should not have done what you did. You’re in the right place," she is said to have told him. Despite her feelings, discussions are reportedly underway with prison authorities about the possibility of Plumb leaving HMP Long Lartin for a chapel of rest service, though he will not be permitted to attend a larger family gathering.
A prison source indicated that Plumb has been deeply affected by his mother's death, experiencing significant sobbing but refraining from destructive behavior. He is reportedly receiving support from prison staff. However, the same source expressed skepticism about any genuine remorse, suggesting Plumb remains unrepentant and continues to live within his "fantasy."
Plumb, who has a history of sexually motivated offenses dating back to his youth, reportedly gained a significant amount of weight from age 13, which friends suggest contributed to his sexual frustration and a sense of being "friendzoned." His weight reportedly peaked at over 35 stone, and he underwent gastric band surgery in 2018. He remains reliant on his mother and stepfather for daily assistance.
Despite his past convictions and the severity of the plot against Willoughby, Plumb has maintained that his online discussions were merely fantasy and not indicative of real-life intent. The judge, however, disagreed, stating there was "no doubt this was all considerably more than a fantasy" and that Plumb intended to carry out his plan.
The news of Plumb's potential temporary release comes as Willoughby is reportedly preparing to return to daytime television with a new YouTube show, a comeback that eerily coincides with the anniversary of Plumb's sentencing and the potential for his release.