TWO men hatched a plot to rob and kill pop star Joss Stone before dumping her body in a river, a court has heard.

The trial of Junior Bradshaw and Kevin Liverpool got underway at Exeter Crown Court yesterday with claims both harboured deep hatred for the soul singer, who they referred to as a "she-devil".

The pair set off from their home in Manchester with a samurai sword, knives, bags and gloves crammed in their Fiat Punto car, bound for Miss Stone's home in Devon, the court heard.

Both were arrested a few miles from the property, the jury heard.

Bradshaw, 32, and Liverpool, 35, deny conspiracy to murder, conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm and conspiracy to rob, in 2011.

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."