A man residing in a secluded cabin in Cornwall is facing trial for the murder of two men, whom he allegedly killed, dismembered, and attempted to dispose of by burning and burying their remains to conceal the crime, as stated in court.
James Desborough, living in Old Oak Woods, Lower Sticker, is accused of murdering 43-year-old Daniel Coleman from St Austell, with the incident believed to have occurred between June 2, 2025, and July 7, 2025.
The 40-year-old Desborough also stands charged with the murder of Claudio Aquilino, allegedly killed between April 17, 2025, and July 7, 2025.
In court, Prosecutor Ahmed Hossain KC informed jurors at Winchester Crown Court that fragments of the dismembered victims’ bodies were found by police search teams and forensic experts during an investigation in Paramoor Woods near Sticker, where Desborough lived in a cabin.
Detailing the case, Hossain explained that both victims had previously resided with Desborough at Sandy Lodge, a shared residence in Newquay, according to court reports from Cornwall Live.
Hossain informed the court that Sandy Lodge accommodated individuals often facing homelessness and substance addiction challenges, noting that both victims were last seen in the company of Desborough.
It was revealed to the jury that following the disappearance of each victim, Desborough accessed their bank accounts and used their funds at various locations, including a Post Office in Sticker and a train journey to Paddington rail station in London. Desborough admitted guilt to preventing the lawful burial of both victims but denied the murder charges, opting for ‘no comment’ responses during police interrogations.
The jury learned that despite his struggles with addiction and limited stability, Mr. Aquilino maintained frequent contact with relatives in Italy. However, he was evicted from Sandy Lodge on April 11 after a theft incident involving a fellow resident’s mobile phone.
Desborough, who had also been residing at Sandy Lodge, left the property just three days before Mr. Aquilino’s departure.
On April 17, 2025, Mr. Aquilino spoke with a police officer on patrol in Newquay. Later that evening, he contacted the police out of fear, expressing concerns about potential involvement in criminal activities with Desborough.
Mr. Aquilino reported that Desborough had acquired tools and planned to vandalize a hotel, indicating a disturbed mental state and stating he wanted no part in the scheme.
The last sighting of Mr. Aquilino alive was on April 18, 2025, at a Newquay pub where he was seen alongside Desborough, selling his mobile phone to another individual.
Subsequently, communication with Mr. Aquilino’s relatives ceased, coinciding with Desborough’s phone being inactive between April 16 and April 22, a circumstance the prosecution argued was deliberate. Financial scrutiny of Mr. Aquilino’s bank account revealed a deviation from his typical transaction patterns before his disappearance, coinciding with Desborough’s alleged actions.
Desborough, present in court wearing a grey T-shirt, with a beard and glasses, refuted all allegations as the trial continues.
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