Samurai sword among stash of weapons held by men plotting to kill Devon soul star Joss Stone

A stash of weapons was found in the car of two men accused of plotting to kill international music star Joss Stone when they were arrested, a court heard today.

A uniformed PC discovered a black-handled samurai sword with sheath, two knives and a length of green garden-style hosepipe in the boot of a Fiat Punto being driven by Junior Bradshaw, 32.

On the back seat of the burgundy hatchback, police recovered a black hooded top and a black and grey rucksack.

The rucksack contained a roll of black bags, a roll of black tape, a hammer bought for £1 from a Manchester DIY store, a black and yellow spike, spark plugs, a sock and a carrier bag.

A second £1 hammer was found in the front passenger footwell of the car, alongside three black gloves and a black hat.

A black balaclava was also recovered from the rear of the car as well as AA routefinder printers from Manchester to Devon, the court heard.

Bradshaw and co-accused Kevin Liverpool, 35, are charged with plotting to rob and kill the Devon-born soul star before dumping her body in a river in June 2011.

The defendants, both of St Stephen's Close, Manchester, deny charges of conspiracy to murder, conspiracy to cause GBH and conspiracy to rob.

The trial continues.