Men plotted to rob and kill soul star Joss Stone in Devon court hears

Two men plotted to rob and murder international Devon soul singer Joss Stone, a jury was told today.

Kevin Liverpool and Junior Bradshaw are accused of driving from Manchester in a Fiat Punto to near Miss Stone's home in Devon in June 2011.

They deny charges of conspiracy to murder, conspiracy to cause GBH and conspiracy to rob.

Outlining the case at Exeter Crown Court, prosecutor Simon Morgan QC told the jury of 10 men and two women: "This case is about a decision by a group of individuals, of which these defendants are two, to rob and kill Joss Stone.

"Your job will be to determine whether you think these two are part of a plot."

The charges span a period from January to June 2011, and relate to an incident on June 13 of that year, when the pair were arrested after being seen driving in the area around the village of Langford in a Fiat Punto, a few miles from the Fell In Love With A Boy singer's home.

Bradshaw and Liverpool, both of St Stephens Close, Manchester, were subsequently arrested in Cullompton.

The prosecutor said a conspiracy was "an agreement to carry out a course of conduct".

"The offence is committed as soon as the agreement is reached," he said.

"In this case these defendants did do something.

"They got a car, they collected their weapons of choice, and they made their way from Manchester to a short distance from Joss Stone's house."

Miss Stone was initially referred to in court by her real name, Jocelyn Eve Stoker. However, Mr Morgan later used the singer's stage name, describing her as "an extremely wealthy young woman".

The court heard Miss Stone was at home at the time of the incident.

The prosecutor said the pair were reported to police by the "eagle-eyed people" of Cullompton.

Bradshaw, 32, and Liverpool, 35, deny all charges.

Mr Morgan is due to begin his opening – a detailed outline of the case for prosecution – later this afternoon.

The trial is due to last for around three weeks.