A convicted killer accused of murdering two friends sent a text message stating he felt "absolutely bloodthirsty" and "real hostile" around the time one of the victims disappeared, Winchester Crown Court heard.
James Desborough, 40, is accused of murdering acquaintances Daniel Coleman, 43, and Claudio Aquilino, 57, near his remote woodland cabin in Cornwall. Prosecutors allege he dismembered their bodies, cremated and buried them, and then used their bank cards.
Desborough has admitted to using Mr. Coleman's bank card to purchase a "large beef roast" after dismembering his friend's body. He claims he lost "all grip on reality" and only found the men dead on his land, insisting he did not kill them.
Jurors were shown a text message from May 30, 2025, the date Mr. Aquilino was reported missing, in which Desborough messaged an acquaintance: "absolutely bloodthirsty real hostile fuming spitting feathers." Desborough testified that this message referred to the state of his cabin and the surrounding woods, which had been left untidy by visitors, including Mr. Aquilino and Mr. Coleman. He denied the text was a threat, stating he did not know the meaning of "bloodthirsty."
Earlier, on May 21, 2025, Desborough sent a text to Mr. Coleman calling him "a f****** retard" and warning him, "don't take me for a mug, boy." The court heard this was related to a dispute over Mr. Coleman's relationship with his wife, Hannah Cresswell, with whom Desborough had an affair. Desborough described Mr. Coleman and Ms. Cresswell as "a pair of f****** toxic wasters" in a text and had previously emailed the council expressing concern about Mr. Coleman's behavior.
Prosecutors allege Desborough murdered Mr. Aquilino between April 17 and July 7 of last year, and Mr. Coleman between June 2 and July 7. His defense contends he found both men dead and decided to dispose of their bodies.
Desborough, who has a prior conviction for murder, was found guilty of strangling his prison cellmate, Steven Kempster, 65, due to snoring while awaiting trial for the current charges. He is reportedly a fan of the television serial killer "Dexter."
Evidence presented suggests Desborough sent texts after the men's disappearance to make it appear they were still alive. He also told a friend he was buying petrol for his chainsaw to make firewood, which prosecutors argue was an attempt to explain away a purchase of petrol found near Mr. Coleman's grave. The bodies of both victims were burned.
When questioned about buying a "large beef roast" with Mr. Coleman's card, Desborough described it as "every day life" and claimed ignorance of the word "macabre."
Previously, a witness alleged Desborough told Mr. Coleman, "(It) looks like someone else is getting buried in the woods." Desborough admitted this might have happened but did not recall it. Prosecutors stated that both victims lived with Desborough and were last seen with him. Their bank accounts were accessed and money spent by Desborough after their disappearances. The trial is ongoing.
