Jury sworn in for trial of Cornwall man accused of two murders
James Desborough, 40, is charged with two murders in 2025
A jury has been sworn in for the trial of a Cornwall man accused of murdering two other men.
James Desborough, 40, is accused of murdering Claudio Aquilino, 57, on a date between April 17 and July 7 last year and Daniel Coleman, 43, on a date between June 2 and July 7 last year (2025).
On Monday, a jury of eight men and four women was sworn in to try the case at Winchester Crown Court.
Mr Justice Saini told the jury that the trial would be opened by the prosecution on Wednesday and was expected to last up to seven weeks.
“You will have heard the defendant faces the most serious charge any person can face in the English courts – that of murder,” the judge told the jury.
“On Wednesday, I am going to give you more legal instructions but what’s going to happen is, I am going to send you away because the court is dealing with other matters.
“You should not do any research online about this case. There may well be news stories about this case online or in newspapers.
“Ordinary internet use is fine but do not go looking for news about this case. You should not do your own research.
“When you return, I will give you more legal directions and you will hear from the prosecution about what this case is about.”
Ahmed Hossain KC and Leila Tai are appearing for the prosecution.
Desborough, of Old Oak Woods, Lower Sticker, Cornwall, is represented by Sean Brunton KC and Paul Grumbar.
The trial was adjourned.