In Cornwall, a man residing in a secluded cabin has been accused of murdering two individuals and dismembering their bodies in an attempt to conceal the crimes by burning and burying the remains, as revealed in court proceedings.
James Desborough, living in Old Oak Woods, Lower Sticker, is facing trial for the alleged murder of 43-year-old Daniel Coleman from St Austell, believed to have occurred between June 2, 2025, and July 7, 2025. Additionally, Desborough, aged 40, is charged with the murder of Claudio Aquilino, reportedly occurring between April 17, 2025, and July 7, 2025.
During a search of Paramoor Woods near Sticker, where Desborough resided in a cabin, police search teams and forensic scientists discovered fragments of the dismembered bodies, as highlighted by Prosecutor Ahmed Hossain KC at Winchester Crown Court.
The court was informed that both victims had previously shared a residence with Desborough at Sandy Lodge in Newquay, a property accommodating individuals facing housing instability and substance addiction challenges.
Mr. Hossain told the court that Desborough accessed the victims’ bank accounts post their disappearances, utilizing their funds at various locations, including a Post Office in Sticker and a train trip to Paddington rail station in London. Desborough admitted to preventing the lawful burial of the victims but denied the murder charges, opting not to provide any comments during police interrogations.
One victim, Mr. Aquilino, frequently contacted relatives in Italy despite his struggles with addiction and financial instability. After being evicted from Sandy Lodge for theft, he encountered Desborough, who was allegedly planning criminal activities involving property damage, leading Mr. Aquilino to contact the police out of fear.
The last sighting of Mr. Aquilino alive was at a Newquay pub on April 18, 2025, where he was seen with Desborough, selling his mobile phone to another individual. Subsequently, all communication with Mr. Aquilino’s relatives ceased, coinciding with Desborough’s phone being inactive during a specific timeframe, as per financial investigations.
Desborough, maintaining his innocence, is contesting all allegations while the trial progresses.
