Gavin Plumb Plans to Challenge Life Sentence for Attempted Murder

Gavin Plumb, the 37-year-old man convicted of conspiring to kidnap, rape, and murder television presenter Holly Willoughby, is attempting to appeal both his convictions and his life sentence. Plumb, a security guard from Harlow, Essex, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 16 years after a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court earlier this month. Officials at the Royal Courts of Justice confirmed that he has formally applied for permission to appeal. The appeal process typically begins with a judge reviewing the application without a hearing. If the initial request is denied, Plumb may seek a full court hearing involving two or three judges. During sentencing, Mr. Justice Edward Murray emphasized the seriousness of Plumb's intentions, stating that had he found accomplices willing to assist, he would have executed his plan. In a statement following the trial, Willoughby, 43, expressed her concerns about women's safety, asserting that they should not feel unsafe in their daily lives or homes. The judge acknowledged the significant impact of Plumb's actions on Willoughby, commending her bravery for waiving her right to anonymity throughout the proceedings. Plumb's minimum jail term has been adjusted to 15 years and 85 days, accounting for the 280 days he spent on remand prior to sentencing. The case has drawn considerable media attention, highlighting issues of safety and the psychological toll on victims of such crimes.