Serial killer James Desborough, 40, who strangled his prison cellmate for snoring while awaiting trial for murdering two homeless men, has been sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole. The former builder killed Claudio Aquilino, 57, and Daniel Coleman, 43, weeks apart in Cornwall last year, then throttled Steven Kempster, 65, while on remand at HMP Exeter.
Details of the Murders
Prosecutor Ahmed Hossain KC told Winchester Crown Court that Desborough killed and dismembered Aquilino and Coleman, attempting to burn and bury their remains. Police discovered 1,900 burned bone fragments believed to be from Aquilino in Paramoor Woods, Sticker, where Desborough lived in a cabin. Coleman's torso, legs, and feet were found in a shallow grave nearby; his genitals were never found, and deliberate removal could not be excluded.
Both victims had lived with Desborough at Sandy Lodge, a multi-occupancy residence in Newquay that housed homeless people and those with addiction issues. They were last seen alive in Desborough's company. After their disappearances, Desborough accessed their bank accounts and spent their money on drugs and alcohol, lying that they had left Cornwall.
Prison Cellmate Murder
While on remand, Desborough killed his cellmate Steven Kempster, 65, by strangling him. The murder was reportedly triggered by Kempster's snoring. Desborough pleaded guilty to Kempster's murder.
Investigation into Additional Deaths
Detectives are now reviewing whether Desborough may be responsible for more killings. A review is underway into the deaths of four people who lived at the same homeless shelter as Desborough. Police found handwritten notes in his cabin, including a 'Kill Zone' map with concentric circles centered on Sticker Woods and listing London and Benidorm at outer points, with sub-headings 'Operational spheres'. Another note titled 'Bug out list' and 'Hostiles' contained writings about being a 'killer' and 'an echo in time'.
Court Proceedings
Desborough denied the murders of Aquilino and Coleman, calling it a 'series of unfortunate circumstances' that they died on his land. He admitted spending their money but claimed they were friends. He had previously pleaded guilty to preventing the lawful burial of both men. The jury rejected his defense, and the judge imposed a whole-life order, meaning Desborough will never be released from prison.
