CORNWALL — James Desborough is on trial at Winchester Crown Court charged with the murders of Claudio Aquilino and Daniel Coleman. Desborough denied murdering the two men between April and July of the previous year but admitted preventing their lawful burials.

The body of Claudio Aquilino, 57, was found in dense undergrowth near a cabin where Desborough lived. Parts of Daniel Coleman's dismembered body, including his torso, legs, and feet, were found in a shallow grave close to the cabin. An axe was found hanging from a tree near the grave. Police also discovered 1,900 burned bone fragments in a stream, which are believed to be from Aquilino.

Prosecutor Ahmed Hossain stated that Desborough accessed the victims' bank accounts after their deaths and traveled to London by train using Aquilino's bank card. Hossain said Desborough, Aquilino, and Coleman were last seen together after meeting at a residence in Newquay for homeless individuals and those with addiction issues.

Police searched the woods around Desborough's cabin for five months, from July to October of the previous year. A note in Desborough's handwriting found in the cabin stated: "I know I am a killer and ready to execute any predators." Other notes found at the location mentioned plans to buy a ghillie suit, leave the UK, and referenced "bodies buried," a "new burner phone," and a "safe house."

Hossain told the court that Desborough revealed to a forensic biologist that he "particularly enjoyed the dismemberment scenes" in the television programme Dexter. Hossain added that scientific evidence suggested the dismemberment was deliberate and precise. The prosecutor also stated Desborough messaged a woman saying, "I can't help but protect woman and children," and allegedly created a fake note purportedly written by Coleman stating he was starting the Saints' Way walking trail.