Murder plot accused claims not to have heard of singer

Junior Bradshaw, 32, and co-accused Kevin Liverpool, 35, were stopped at around 9am on June 13 near Cullompton in Devon, having driven down from Manchester, where both lived, in a Fiat Punto.

Exeter Crown Court heard last week that a stash of weapons –including a samurai sword and a knife – was found in the car, along with a series of maps relating to the area.

The two men, both originally from Huddersfield, deny charges of conspiracy to murder, conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm and conspiracy to rob.

Bradshaw told the court he did not know where he was going when the pair set off, seven hours before their arrest in Devon. He also said he had never heard of the 25-year-old pop star before.

The defendant was asked several questions about the events leading up to his arrest, but said he could not remember or did not know the answers to them.

Bradshaw also told the court he could not remember details about his previous time in prison, including for exposure, but said he had been treated in hospital in Manchester for schizophrenia.

He denied asking a postman in Devon where Miss Stone lived – contradicting evidence from local postman Alex Greening, who last week told the court he was on his rounds on the morning of June 13, 2011 when he was approached by two men in a car inquiring about Miss Stone.

The trial is expected to conclude next week.