A man accused of soliciting to murder and incitement to kidnap the TV presenter Holly Willoughby has pleaded not guilty to both charges.
Gavin Plumb, 36, of Potters Field in Harlow, Essex, appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court.
The charges relate to an alleged plot between 2 and 5 October involving the former presenter of This Morning.
Wearing a grey T-shirt, the shopping centre security guard spoke only to confirm his details and enter his plea.
The defendant is accused of planning to assemble a “kidnap and restraint kit” and encouraging a third party to travel to the UK to carry out the alleged offences.
Judge Mary Loram KC set a trial date of 24 June and remanded Mr Plumb in custody.
The trial is expected to last two weeks.
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