James Desborough, a convicted murderer already serving a life sentence for killing a cellmate, has now been found guilty of two additional murders. The 40-year-old, described by acquaintances as a control freak with a terrible temper, killed Claudio Aquilino and Daniel Coleman in Cornwall before dismembering and burning their bodies. This article explores the chilling details of his crimes and the unique legal proceedings that followed.
The Path to Violence
Desborough’s descent into murder began with a bizarre protest. In spring 2023, he stole dozens of eggs from a supermarket and bombarded Cornwall’s county hall in Truro, hoping to be arrested. He messaged a friend: “If I’m going to get nicked, might as well round the charges up.” After the egg incident, he committed three murders within months.
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The first two victims were vulnerable friends: Claudio Aquilino and Daniel Coleman. Desborough killed them, then dismembered and burnt their bodies, hiding the remains in woodland near a shack where he lived off-grid in south Cornwall. Police found the scorched remains weeks later. Desborough used their bank cards after the killings, but prosecutors believe his motives went beyond theft—he may have viewed them as “dinlos” (a local slang term) and undeserving of life.
Prison Killing and Trial
While awaiting trial for the double murder, Desborough was housed at Exeter prison. There, he strangled his cellmate Steven Kempster to death, allegedly annoyed by his snoring. For that crime, he received a life sentence. During the subsequent trial for the earlier murders, the prosecutor Ahmed Hossain KC argued that Desborough killed Aquilino and Coleman because he considered them worthless.
The jury at Winchester Crown Court convicted Desborough of both murders. The judge, Mr Justice Saini, described the circumstances as “unique”—a person being sentenced for two murders while already serving life for a prison killing. He indicated that Desborough may face a whole-life term, meaning he will never be released.
Comparison of Desborough’s Crimes
| Victim | Location | Method | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claudio Aquilino | Cornwall woodland | Dismemberment and burning | 2023 |
| Daniel Coleman | Cornwall woodland | Dismemberment and burning | 2023 |
| Steven Kempster | Exeter prison cell | Strangulation | 2024 (while on remand) |
Key Takeaways
- James Desborough is a convicted murderer with a history of violence, including a prior conviction for grievous bodily harm.
- He killed two friends in Cornwall, then murdered a cellmate in prison because of snoring.
- The judge may impose a whole-life order, making Desborough ineligible for parole.
- The case is considered unique in UK legal history due to the sequence of murders.
- Authorities believe Desborough’s actions were driven by anger and a sense of entitlement, not just financial gain.
FAQ
Who is James Desborough?
James Desborough is a 40-year-old British man convicted of three murders. He killed two friends in Cornwall and later strangled a cellmate in Exeter prison. He is already serving a life sentence and faces a possible whole-life order.
Why did Desborough kill his friends?
Prosecutors suggested Desborough may have viewed Aquilino and Coleman as “dinlos” (worthless) due to their troubled lifestyles. While he used their bank cards after their deaths, the motive appears to go beyond theft—it may have been rooted in contempt and anger.
What sentence could Desborough receive?
The judge, Mr Justice Saini, has indicated that Desborough may face a whole-life term, meaning he will never be released from prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Wednesday.
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