Man Convicted of Two Murders While Serving Life

James Desborough has been convicted of murdering his friends Claudio Aquilino and Daniel Coleman. The jury at Winchester crown court found him guilty of the killings. Desborough is already serving a life sentence for the murder of his cellmate, Steven Kempster, which occurred while he was awaiting trial for the deaths of Aquilino and Coleman.

Discovery of Victims' Remains

The dismembered and burnt bodies of Aquilino and Coleman were found in woodland in south Cornwall. Police launched an extensive search, codenamed Operation Honeyfall, which involved over 700 officers and scientists. The investigation led to the discovery of over 1,900 burnt bone fragments belonging to Aquilino in a stream, and Coleman's charred body parts were found in a shallow grave. A hatchet was discovered on a nearby tree. Police believe Desborough may have planned plastic surgery and to flee the UK following the murders. He also used his victims' bank cards after their deaths, purchasing goods including a roast beef dinner.

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Background and Convictions

Desborough, aged 40, was convicted of murdering his cellmate Kempster in Exeter prison because he was reportedly annoyed by his snoring. Acquaintances described Desborough as a "control freak" with a volatile temper. He was a civil engineer by profession and a father who had experienced a period of hardship. He, Aquilino, and Coleman had previously met while living in a hostel for homeless individuals in Newquay. Aquilino, 57, had been struggling with hard drug use and depression, while Coleman, 43, had issues with alcohol abuse and suffered from PTSD. Mr Justice Saini described the circumstances of Desborough being sentenced for two murders while already serving a life term for another as "unique" and indicated that Desborough could face a whole-life sentence.

During the trial, Desborough denied killing Aquilino and Coleman but admitted to burning and hiding their bodies while under the influence of ketamine and tequila. He claimed to have found one victim hanging in a tree and the other naked in a stream, describing the situation as a "series of unfortunate circumstances". Notes and plans found by police suggested a potential intention to alter his appearance and escape the country.

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Sentencing and Future

Mr Justice Saini is scheduled to sentence Desborough on Wednesday. The judge has indicated that a whole-life term is a possibility given the nature of the convictions.