Willoughby kidnap plot – threat was ‘imminent’ says officer

Jurors were told Mr Plumb, a security guard, had a Kik account named “BigBear341987”, and used an image of Ms Willoughby as his profile picture.

On 3 October 2023, the defendant allegedly posted four pictures of the broadcaster to the group with the text “the one in the public eye I want”.

Mr Nelson, who told the court he had assumed a fake identity to engage with the defendant directly, said he replied “nice”, before then speaking with Mr Plumb in a private chat.

The officer told the jury: “He said ‘I know when she gets up in the morning’, as well as not having security cameras where she was.

“I felt there was an imminent threat to this individual. It’s very rare for an individual to post they have some potential information,” Mr Nelson said.

He confirmed he had held a “meeting” with “representatives from the FBI” because of his concerns.