Murder accused wrote 'I'm a killer', court told

Handwritten notes stating "I know I'm a killer" and "cover tracks" were found at a property belonging to a man accused of murder, a court has heard.

James Desborough, of Old Oak Woods, Lower Sticker, Cornwall, has denied murdering Claudio Aquilino, 57, between 17 April and 7 July, and Daniel Coleman, 43, between 2 June and 7 July last year.

The 40-year-old, who lived in a cabin in Paramoor Woods, previously pleaded guilty to preventing the lawful burial of Aquilino and Coleman.

Jurors at Winchester Crown Court were shown notes, believed to be written by Desborough, which included a packing list and a message which said he was "ready to kill". The trial continues.

Previously opening the case for the prosecution, Ahmed Hossain KC said all three men had lived together for a time at Sandy Lodge in Newquay, which housed homeless people and people with addiction issues.

Hossain said: "He dismembered their bodies, he attempted to burn their bodies, their remains, and conceal what he had done.

"Then he used their money while, at the same time, lying to those around him about where they had gone."

Jurors heard among the notes believed to be written by the defendant, one said: "I know I'm a killer, ready to kill and execute any predators."

Another note wrote of "detailed travel plans and intent to leave the UK" with mentions of a "shuffle bag liner", "bodies buried", "new disguise", "new burner phone" and "safe house".

The safe house note was a list of items, including logs, coal and batteries, as well as "always leave some booze, tobacco and weed".

Another said "bodies buried deep in ancient roots" and "bare top killer primal in the elements", as well as practice "ghillie suit" - a camouflage garment.

Hossain told the court Desborough also drew a series of concentric circles with the woodland in the centre, and London and Benidorm listed at the outer point, which was entitled "Kill Zone", and the sub-heading of "Operational spheres".

He said the travel plans stated an intention to leave the UK on July 15 2025.

The prosecutor earlier told the jury: "We believe these were all written by Mr Desborough."

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