A man residing in a cabin in the woods in Cornwall has been accused in court of murdering two men, then dismembering and attempting to dispose of their bodies to hide the crime. James Desborough, who lives in Old Oak Woods, Lower Sticker, is facing trial for the alleged murder of Daniel Coleman, 43, from St Austell, believed to have occurred between June 2, 2025, and July 7, 2025. The 40-year-old Desborough is also charged with the murder of Claudio Aquilino, reportedly killed between April 17, 2025, and July 7, 2025.
During the trial at Winchester Crown Court, Prosecutor Ahmed Hossain KC informed the jury that police search teams and forensic experts found body parts of the victims in Paramoor Woods near Sticker, where Desborough lived in a cabin. The court was told that both victims had previously resided with Desborough at Sandy Lodge in Newquay, a residence shared by individuals often grappling with homelessness and substance abuse issues. Desborough was reportedly the last person seen with both victims before their disappearances.
According to Mr. Hossain, following the disappearance of each man, 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 has admitted to preventing the lawful burial of the victims but denies the murder charges, choosing to remain silent during police interrogations.
The court heard that despite his struggles with addiction and limited stability, Mr. Aquilino maintained regular contact with his relatives in Italy. However, he was evicted from Sandy Lodge on April 11 after a theft incident. Desborough, who also lived at the property, left shortly after Mr. Aquilino’s departure.
On April 17, 2025, Mr. Aquilino expressed fear to the police about Desborough’s intentions to commit a crime. The following day, the last day Mr. Aquilino was seen alive, he was witnessed at a pub in Newquay with Desborough, where he sold his mobile phone to another individual. Subsequently, communication with Mr. Aquilino’s family ceased, coinciding with Desborough’s phone being inactive for several days, raising suspicions of deliberate actions.
Desborough, who denies all accusations, is currently on trial.