Holly: No woman should feel unsafe

Star thanks undercover cop who snared predator days from murder plot

- TOM PETTIFOR

HOLLY Willoughby has spoken of her undying gratitude to the undercover US police officer who snared a predator on the verge of kidnapping, raping and murdering her.

Gavin Plumb, 37, slumped in the dock, sobbing, yesterday as a jury of eight women and four men found him guilty of soliciting murder, and inciting kidnap and rape.

After the verdicts, TV star Ms Willoughby, 43, released a statement, saying: "As women we should not be made to feel unsafe going about our daily lives and in our own homes.

"I will forever be grateful to the undercover police officer who understood the imminent threat."

She also thanked UK police for their "swift response" and the legal team, judge and jurors "for ensuring that justice was done and that the defendant will not be able to harm any more women".

Plumb had previously been convicted of attacking four women in three terrifying incidents in 2006 and 2008, for which he had spent 31 months in prison.

And Ms Willoughby said: "I would also like to commend the bravery of his previous victims for speaking up at the time.

"Without their bravery, this conviction may not have been possible."

Plumb was days from carrying out his attack on her when he shared his plans in an online chat with an undercover US officer in Minnesota.

After the officer tipped off the Met, security guard Plumb was arrested on October 4, and found in possession of a restraint kit, including handcuffs and chloroform. He claimed the plot was a fantasy.