James Desborough, a fan of the television series Dexter, is accused of murdering two men he met at a homeless shelter, then dismembering and burning their bodies in a Cornish woodland, a court has heard. He allegedly stole their money after their deaths.
Victims Identified
Desborough is charged with murdering Claudio Aquilino, 57, between April 17 and July 7 last year, and Daniel Coleman, 43, between June 2 and July 7 last year. He has pleaded guilty to preventing the lawful burial of both men's bodies, Winchester Crown Court was told.
Burned Remains Discovered
Prosecutor Ahmed Hossain KC told the court that police found 1,900 burned bone fragments believed to be from Mr Aquilino in Paramoor Woods, Sticker, where Desborough lived in a cabin. Parts of Mr Coleman's dismembered body, including his torso, legs, and feet, were found in a shallow grave nearby.
Mr Hossain said: "In 2025, James Desborough murdered Daniel Coleman and Claudio Aquilino. Parts of their dismembered bodies were found by police search teams and scientists when searching an area of woodland which was where James Desborough lived."
Homeless Shelter Connection
Both victims had lived with Desborough at Sandy Lodge, a multi-occupancy residence in Newquay that housed homeless people or those with addiction issues. They were last seen alive with Desborough, and after their disappearances, their bank accounts were accessed and money spent by him.
"He killed them, he dismembered their bodies, he attempted to burn and bury their remains to conceal what he had done, and then used their money whilst at the same time lying to those around him about where they had gone," Mr Hossain added.
Dexter Obsession Cited
Craig Cudmore, a fellow resident of Sandy Lodge, told police that Desborough said he "particularly enjoyed the dismemberment scenes" in Dexter. Mr Hossain noted: "When you consider that comment by Mr Desborough together with the fact that two dismembered bodies were found on his land, that the comment takes on a particular significance."
The defendant, of Old Oak Woods, Lower Sticker, Cornwall, sat in the dock wearing a grey T-shirt with a beard and glasses. He denies the charges, and the trial continues.
