James Desborough, a 40-year-old man who lived in a cabin in Cornish woodland, allegedly murdered and dismembered two men before attempting to incinerate and bury their remains to conceal his crimes, a court has heard. He then used the victims' money for his own purposes.
Desborough, of Old Oak Woods, Lower Sticker, is standing trial at Winchester Crown Court for the murder of 43-year-old Daniel Coleman from St Austell, who died between June 2, 2025, and July 7, 2025. He is also charged with the murder of Claudio Aquilino, whose death occurred between April 17, 2025, and July 7, 2025.
Discovery of Remains and Initial Evidence
Prosecutor Ahmed Hossain, KC, informed the jury that portions of the dismembered bodies were discovered by police search teams and forensic experts while examining an area of woodland known as Paramoor Woods near Sticker, where Desborough resided in a cabin. The court heard that both men had previously lived with Desborough at Sandy Lodge, a multi-occupancy property in Newquay.
Mr. Hossain explained that Sandy Lodge accommodated individuals who were often homeless and struggled with substance dependencies. He stated that both men were last seen alive in Desborough's company.
Financial Exploitation After Disappearances
Following each man's disappearance, Desborough gained access to their bank accounts and spent their money at various locations, including a Post Office in Sticker and for a train journey to Paddington railway station in London. Mr. Hossain noted that Desborough had already pleaded guilty to preventing the lawful burial of both Mr. Coleman and Mr. Aquilino, but denied the murders, answering 'no comment' in police interviews.
The jury heard that Mr. Aquilino, despite struggling with addiction and having limited financial resources or stable accommodation, would telephone family members in Italy almost every day. However, he was removed from Sandy Lodge on April 11 after taking another resident's mobile phone. Desborough had also left the premises three days earlier.
Final Sightings and Phone Evidence
On April 17, 2025, Mr. Aquilino spoke to a police officer on foot patrol in Newquay. At approximately 9:52 pm, he contacted police, saying he was 'frightened' and trying to avoid becoming involved in a crime with Desborough. He claimed Desborough had a crowbar and an axe and intended to damage a hotel, describing Desborough as 'really off his head' and 'kamikaze'.
The next day, April 18, 2025, was the last time Mr. Aquilino was seen alive. He was spotted at a pub in Newquay with Desborough, where he sold his mobile phone to another man. From that point onward, there were no further calls to his relatives, while Desborough's phone appeared to have been turned off between April 16 and April 22—a fact the prosecution claimed was not a coincidence.
Financial investigators reviewing Mr. Aquilino's bank account observed that prior to April 18, his access, income from the DWP, and spending followed a recognized pattern. Desborough, who sat in the dock dressed in a grey T-shirt with a beard and glasses, denies the charges. The trial continues.
