James Desborough, a 40-year-old man who lived in a cabin in the woods in Cornwall, has gone on trial for the murders of two men whose dismembered bodies were discovered in a woodland area. The prosecution alleges that Desborough killed Daniel Coleman, 43, and Claudio Aquilino, then attempted to destroy their remains by burning and burying them.
The trial at Winchester Crown Court heard that fragments of the victims' bodies were recovered by police search teams and forensic scientists during a search of Paramoor Woods near Sticker, Cornwall, where Desborough resided in a cabin. Prosecutor Ahmed Hossain KC outlined the case, stating that both men had previously lived with Desborough at Sandy Lodge, a multi-occupancy property in Newquay, which housed individuals who were frequently homeless and struggling with substance addictions.
Victims' Last Known Movements
Mr. Hossain told the jury that both men were last seen alive in Desborough's company. Following each disappearance, Desborough allegedly gained access to their bank accounts and used their money at various locations, including a Post Office in Sticker and on a train journey to Paddington station in London. Desborough has pleaded guilty to preventing the lawful burial of both Mr. Coleman and Mr. Aquilino but denies the murder charges, answering 'no comment' in police interviews.
The court heard that Mr. Aquilino, despite battling addiction and having little money or stability, would call relatives in Italy almost daily. He was evicted from Sandy Lodge on April 11 after stealing another resident's mobile phone. Desborough had left the property just three days earlier. On April 17, 2025, Mr. Aquilino spoke to a police officer on foot patrol in Newquay and later called the police at 9.52pm, expressing fear and saying he was trying to avoid becoming involved in a crime with Desborough, who had obtained a crowbar and an axe and was planning to cause damage to a hotel. Mr. Aquilino described Desborough as 'really off his head' and 'kamikaze'.
Last Sightings and Financial Evidence
The following day, April 18, 2025, was the last time Mr. Aquilino was seen alive. He was spotted at a Newquay pub alongside Desborough, where he sold his mobile phone to another man. After that, all calls to his relatives stopped, while Desborough's phone appeared to have been switched off between April 16 and April 22, which the prosecution alleged was no coincidence. Financial investigators noted that before April 18, Mr. Aquilino's bank account activity, DWP income, and spending followed a recognized pattern.
The murder of Daniel Coleman is believed to have occurred between June 2, 2025, and July 7, 2025. Desborough, who appeared in the dock dressed in a grey T-shirt, sporting a beard and glasses, denies all charges. The trial continues.
