A security guard who plotted to abduct, rape and murder television presenter Holly Willoughby was jailed for at least 16 years.
Gavin Plumb said his "ultimate fantasy" was to use a "kidnap kit" he had assembled to perpetrate highly sexualised violence against the former This Morning host.
Plumb, 37 and from Harlow, Essex, was caught after he unknowingly disclosed his plans to an undercover police officer operating in the online chatroom "Abduct Lovers".
He claimed he was a merely fantasist, but was convicted of soliciting murder and inciting kidnap and rape following a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court.
The judge, Mr Justice Murray, jailed Plumb for life with a minimum term of 16 years - less the 280 days he spent on remand awaiting trial and sentence - and described the plans he had discussed as "particularly sadistic, brutal and degrading".
He said the offences had "life-changing consequences" on Ms Willoughby, who ended her 14-year stint on This Morning after the plot came to light in October 2023.
"I have no doubt this was all considerably more than a fantasy to you," said the judge.
He added: "Your plan was hopelessly unrealistic for a number of reasons - including your physical health - but you clearly thought it was feasible.
"You always intended to carry out your plan to kidnap, rape and kill Ms Willoughby if you could find ‘the right crew’ to do it."
Plumb, who had previous convictions for attempted kidnap, stood emotionless in the dock as he was sentenced.
The judge's sentencing remarks can be read in full at: www.judiciary.uk/judgments/r-...
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