A man residing in a secluded cabin in Cornwall has been accused of killing two individuals, dismembering their bodies, and then trying to conceal the evidence by burning and burying the remains, as disclosed in court proceedings.
James Desborough, a 40-year-old resident of Old Oak Woods, Lower Sticker, is currently facing trial for the alleged murder of Daniel Coleman, aged 43, from St Austell, believed to have occurred between June 2, 2025, and July 7, 2025.
Desborough is also charged with the murder of Claudio Aquilino, reportedly killed between April 17, 2025, and July 7, 2025.
In court, Prosecutor Ahmed Hossain KC informed jurors at Winchester Crown Court that authorities discovered body parts of the victims during a search of Paramoor Woods near Sticker, where Desborough lived in a cabin.
The prosecutor detailed that both victims had previously resided with Desborough at Sandy Lodge, a shared housing facility in Newquay, where residents faced homelessness and substance abuse issues.
Hossain explained that both Coleman and Aquilino were last seen with Desborough before their disappearances. Desborough allegedly accessed their bank accounts post their vanishings, utilizing their funds at various locations, including a Post Office in Sticker and during a train journey to Paddington station in London.
Although Desborough admitted to obstructing the lawful burial of the victims, he denied the murder charges during police interrogations, choosing to remain silent.
The court learned that Aquilino, despite his struggles with addiction and unstable living conditions, maintained regular contact with family in Italy. He was expelled from Sandy Lodge after a theft incident just days before Desborough left the residence.
On April 17, 2025, Aquilino reportedly expressed fear to police about Desborough’s intentions to commit criminal activities, mentioning a plan involving a crowbar and an axe to damage a hotel.
Following their encounter at a pub on April 18, 2025, Aquilino was not seen alive again. Subsequently, communication with his relatives ceased, coinciding with Desborough’s phone being inactive during that period.
Financial analysis of Aquilino’s bank account suggested unusual activity after April 18, deviating from his typical income and spending patterns, raising suspicion.
Desborough, who asserts his innocence, is currently on trial, dressed in casual attire in court, contesting all allegations as the legal proceedings continue.
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