Man guilty of murdering two men found in woods

James Desborough has been found guilty of murdering Claudio Aquilino and Daniel Coleman. The 40-year-old, who resided in Lower Sticker, Cornwall, was also convicted of preventing the lawful burial of both men in 2025. The jury at Winchester Crown Court heard that Desborough dismembered his victims' bodies, attempted to burn their remains, and concealed them in woodland where he owned a cabin.

Discovery of Remains and Timeline

The remains of Mr Aquilino, 57, and Mr Coleman, 43, were found by police in woodland in Sticker. Officers located approximately 1,900 burned bone fragments, believed to be from Mr Aquilino's body. Parts of Mr Coleman's dismembered body, including his torso, legs, and feet, were discovered in a nearby shallow grave. Experts were unable to determine the specific cause of death for either victim due to the condition of their remains. Mr Aquilino was last seen alive on 18 April 2025, and Mr Coleman on 3 June 2025. Prosecutors suggested both men were likely killed by Desborough shortly after these dates. Evidence presented to the court included CCTV footage of the men in the company of Desborough in Newquay and Truro, and a journey Desborough made to London Paddington station in late April 2025, where he withdrew money from Mr Aquilino's bank account. At that time, Mr Aquilino had been deceased for several days, as indicated by the cessation of his daily phone calls to his mother.

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Prior Conviction for Prison Murder

While on remand awaiting trial for the murders of Mr Aquilino and Mr Coleman, Desborough was found guilty of murdering his cellmate, Steven Kempster, 65, in Exeter Prison in September 2025. The court heard that Mr Kempster's snoring had been a source of annoyance to Desborough, leading to the fatal attack. Desborough received a life sentence with a minimum tariff of 19 years for this killing.

Victims' Families' Statements

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Following the verdicts, the families of Mr Aquilino and Mr Coleman released statements expressing their grief and gratitude. Mr Coleman's family thanked those involved in securing justice for him, describing him as a "loving, caring and compassionate man". Mr Aquilino's family stated they were "completely and utterly mortified" by his violent murder and the disposal of his body, praying he is now at peace after facing a "profoundly sad ordeal".

Police and Prosecution Response

Detective Superintendent Rachael Bentley of Devon and Cornwall Police described the killings as "callous and cold-blooded", highlighting the vulnerability of the victims who had trusted Desborough. She commended the victims' families for their dignity throughout the investigation. Helen Phillips of the Crown Prosecution Service acknowledged the complexity of the case, which involved parallel investigations into the murders in Cornwall and at HMP Exeter, and reiterated her thoughts with the victims' families.

Desborough is scheduled to be sentenced by Mr Justice Pushpinder Saini on Wednesday, where witness impact statements will be read. He was informed he should "be alive" to the prospect of a whole life sentence.