A man residing in a cabin in a wooded area in Cornwall has been accused of killing two individuals, dismembering their bodies, and attempting to destroy and conceal the evidence, according to court proceedings.
James Desborough, living in Old Oak Woods, Lower Sticker, is facing trial for the murder of Daniel Coleman, aged 43 from St Austell, believed to have occurred between June 2, 2025, and July 7, 2025. Additionally, Desborough, 40 years old, is charged with the murder of Claudio Aquilino, allegedly slain between April 17, 2025, and July 7, 2025.
During a search of Paramoor Woods near Sticker, where Desborough’s cabin was located, law enforcement teams and forensic experts discovered fragments of the dismembered bodies, as disclosed by prosecutor Ahmed Hossain KC at Winchester Crown Court.
The prosecution outlined that both victims had previously resided with Desborough at Sandy Lodge, a shared housing facility in Newquay, where individuals facing homelessness and substance abuse issues lived, as detailed in court records.
Hossain informed the jury that Desborough was the last known company of both individuals before their disappearances. Subsequently, Desborough accessed their bank accounts and utilized their funds at various locations, including a Post Office in Sticker and a train journey to Paddington rail station in London.
Desborough admitted in court to obstruction of the proper burial of the victims but denied the murder charges, opting for a ‘no comment’ stance during police interrogations.
One of the victims, Mr. Aquilino, maintained regular contact with family in Italy despite his struggles with addiction and instability. However, he was expelled from Sandy Lodge after an incident involving theft shortly before disappearing.
Desborough, who vacated the property days before Aquilino, was reported to authorities by Aquilino for allegedly planning criminal activities involving property damage, causing Aquilino to fear for his safety.
The last sighting of Aquilino alive was on April 18, 2025, at a pub in Newquay, where he sold his phone to another individual. Subsequently, all communication with his relatives ceased, coinciding with Desborough’s phone being inactive during the same period.
Financial investigators noted irregularities in Aquilino’s bank account following his disappearance, suggesting foul play involving Desborough. Desborough, maintaining his innocence, is currently on trial, refuting all allegations against him.