James Desborough, 40, is accused of murdering two men, Claudio Aquilino, 57, and Daniel Coleman, 43, between April and July of last year, and then dismembering and burning their bodies in a woodland near his cabin in Cornwall, a court has heard.
Ahmed Hossain KC, prosecuting, told Winchester Crown Court that Desborough allegedly chopped the bodies into pieces and buried them in shallow graves by a stream in Paramoor Woods, near Sticker. Police discovered approximately 1,900 burnt bone fragments believed to belong to Mr. Aquilino in the woods. A police diver also found a "piece of flesh" belonging to Mr. Aquilino in the stream, and two unburnt scapula fragments were later found by a search party.
Desborough, who denies murder, has pleaded guilty to preventing the lawful burial of both men. Prosecutors allege he was a fan of the TV series "Dexter," which features a serial killer who dismembers people.
The court heard that both victims had lived with Desborough at Sandy Lodge, a residence for individuals with addiction issues in Newquay, Cornwall. They were last seen alive in Desborough's company. After their disappearances, Desborough allegedly accessed their bank accounts and spent their money. To further conceal the crimes, Desborough is accused of using Mr. Aquilino's bank card to travel to London by train, attempting to create the impression that Mr. Aquilino was still alive. Mr. Aquilino's bank card and SIM card were later found concealed in the roof and under the floor of Desborough's cabin.
Notebooks found in Desborough's cabin contained writings that included a list of "hostiles" – with Mr. Coleman listed – and a statement reading: "I know I am a killer and ready to execute any predators." He also mentioned a "kill zone" and plans to leave the country. A handwriting expert confirmed the notes were written by Desborough, though they were presented as an attempted forgery.
Evidence presented to the court includes scientific analysis, text messages, bank statements, and CCTV footage. Mr. Aquilino, who had long-standing addiction issues, reportedly called the police before his death, expressing fear of Desborough, who allegedly had a crowbar and axe and was in a "kamikaze" mode. Desborough's phone was switched off for several days around this period, which the prosecution suggested was not coincidental.
Following Mr. Coleman's disappearance, police began searching Paramoor Woods. A concealed path was discovered running alongside the stream, and signs of shovelling were found on Desborough's land. Beneath a pile of logs, Mr. Coleman's sternum was found, followed by other skeletal remains, including parts of his skull and femur. Analysis indicated nine neat, clean cuts on Mr. Coleman's body, consistent with being made by a substantial cleaver or axe. The absence of Mr. Coleman's genitalia was noted, with experts stating that while decomposition was a possibility, removal was also a consideration.
An axe found hanging from a tree branch near Mr. Coleman's shallow grave had DNA matching Desborough and Mr. Coleman to a degree that makes it a billion times more likely to belong to them than a third party, the court heard. The trial is expected to continue for seven weeks.