TWO men have been convicted of plotting to rob and kill international pop star Joss Stone.

Kevin Liverpool, 35, and Junior Bradshaw, 32, harboured a deep hatred of the soul singer.

They were found guilty yesterday of conspiracy to murder and conspiracy to rob following a trial at Exeter Crown Court.

Liverpool is starting a life sentence, with a minimum term of 10 years, eight months, while his co-defendant awaits sentencing.

Speaking after the hearing, the star said she was "relieved" the pair "are no longer in a position to cause harm to anyone".

Judge Francis Gilbert, QC, the Recorder of Exeter, branded Liverpool a danger to the public and said he targeted Stone in order to get more than £1 million from her. He told him: "You had no reason to target her except that she was a wealthy young woman as she was a successful singer.

"You assumed as she was a friend of the royal family she would be able to give you money."

The defendants, both of Manchester, stood expressionless as the jury foreman returned the verdicts.

The court heard the pair had driven from Manchester to Stone's home in mid-Devon with an arsenal of weapons to rob and kill her.

The duo were on their way to attack her armed with the weapons when they were arrested in Cullompton in June 2011.

Bradshaw will be sentenced at a later date following the preparation of reports.