A man has been found guilty of murdering two men he met in a homeless shelter. James Desborough had previously admitted preventing the lawful burial in 2025 of 57-year-old Claudio Aquilino and 43-year-old Daniel Coleman.
The jury at Winchester Crown Court heard that the 40-year-old, of Old Oak Woods, Lower Sticker, Cornwall, dismembered the victims' bodies, tried to burn their remains and hid them in woodland where he owns a cabin. He is due to be sentenced on Wednesday.
In March, Desborough was found guilty of murdering his cellmate at Exeter Prison while on remand for this trial. He was sentenced to 19 years in prison for that charge.
Desborough stood to listen to the verdicts with his hands behind his back. He was wearing a grey T-shirt and glasses, and maintained a neutral expression while listening.
James Desborough previously admitted preventing the lawful burial of Claudio Aquilino and Daniel Coleman
When were the men last seen alive?
Aquilino was last seen alive on 18 April 2025 and Coleman was last seen on 3 June 2025. Both men were seen in the company of Desborough on pub CCTV in Newquay and Truro respectively.
Prosecutors said both men were likely killed by Desborough soon after they were last seen.
What did prosecutors say Desborough did after the killings?
The prosecution said Desborough then dismembered their bodies, tried to burn their remains and hid them before stealing their money.
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HM Courts and Tribunals Service
