Pc tells of Joss Stone plotters’ weapons

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.

From 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 printed AA routefinder maps 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.

Pc Victoria Dixon told jurors that she pulled up behind the Fiat Punto in Cullompton High Street in her marked patrol car having received reports the public about the car. She said she saw Bradshaw, who was the driver, go inside a hairdressing salon next to the King’s Head pub.

Pc Dixon said she spoke to Bradshaw when he returned to the car and he confirmed to her it was his vehicle and he had been driving.

She added: “He said one of them was visiting a friend but he didn’t know the friend or where they lived.”

The trial contines.