Serial killer James Desborough has been handed two whole life prison sentences, meaning he will never be released, for the murders of Claudio Aquilino, 57, and Daniel Coleman, 43, in Cornwall. The sentences were imposed at Winchester Crown Court on Tuesday. Desborough, 40, had befriended the two vulnerable men at Newquay's Sandy Lodge homeless shelter. He was found guilty of using extreme violence against them, dismembering their bodies, and attempting to conceal them to create the illusion they were still alive, even using their bank cards.

This conviction adds to Desborough's existing life sentence for strangling his prison cellmate, Steven Kempster, at HMP Exeter while on remand for the Cornwall murders. Mr Justice Pushpinder Saini, presiding over the sentencing, described Desborough as a "highly dangerous individual" who showed "no regard for the life of those you think are worthless." The judge emphasized the "exceptionally high level of seriousness" of the offences, noting that imposing a sentence with no chance of parole is rare.

In addition to the murder convictions, Desborough received five-year sentences for each count of preventing the lawful burial of Aquilino and Coleman. The victims were last seen alive in April and June 2025, respectively. Their remains were eventually discovered near Desborough's woodland cabin in Cornwall.

The families of Aquilino and Coleman expressed profound anguish and devastation. Coleman's brother, Tony Nye, stated that "there aren't enough words in the English language to describe the pain and suffering Desborough has caused." He added, "The world will see you for the vile degenerate coward you are. There will be no forgiveness for you in this world or the next." Coleman's mother, Sandra, spoke of a "life sentence of pain, despair, anxiety and hopelessness."

Aquilino's uncle, David Bonomi, described his nephew as a "friendly, talented artist" who was killed in a "brutal, cruel and evil manner." He noted that the family had reported Aquilino missing due to his consistent daily contact with his mother, which had been broken.

Following Desborough's convictions, Devon and Cornwall Police revealed they are reviewing four unexplained deaths of individuals who also resided at the Sandy Lodge homeless shelter. Detective Superintendent Rachael Bentley stated that the force's major crime investigation team was informed by the coroner's officer about these deaths, which include two other men and two women.

The investigation into the additional deaths is ongoing, with police seeking to determine if Desborough had any involvement. The review focuses on cases where the circumstances of death were deemed unexplained or suspicious, prompting a closer examination in light of Desborough's convictions for extreme violence.

Desborough, a former builder, had a history of violence. His conviction for the murder of his cellmate highlights a pattern of behaviour that extended to a custodial setting. The sentences handed down reflect the gravity of his crimes and the significant threat he poses, with the whole life orders signifying the court's assessment of his incorrigibility.