A former wife has been accused of acting as the "go to" contact for a drug boss who orchestrated the brutal murder of her ex-husband, a personal trainer, in a sulphuric acid attack in the middle of the night. Paris Wilson, 34, is on trial alongside nine other defendants at Winchester Crown Court over the death of Danny Cahalane, 38, in Plymouth, Devon.
The Fatal Attack and Drug Debt
In February 2025, two men allegedly broke into Cahalane's home and doused him with sulphuric acid. He succumbed to his injuries ten days later in hospital. The prosecution claims the attack was ordered by a drug boss known as Frost, whose real name is Ryan Kennedy, over a £120,000 debt related to drug supplies.
Wilson's Alleged Role in the Conspiracy
Prosecutor Miss Joanna Martin KC told the court that Wilson first met Cahalane through a contact in prison, where he was serving a sentence for drug supply offences. They later married and had a daughter together before their relationship deteriorated into an acrimonious state by 2025.
Miss Martin asserted that Wilson was fully aware of Cahalane's illicit activities and became Frost's constant point of contact in Plymouth. She allegedly provided information on Cahalane's whereabouts "on the understanding Frost would make her wealthy."
The prosecution presented evidence suggesting Wilson communicated with Frost about locating Cahalane. In messages to her mother, Karen, Wilson reportedly stated, "Frost has lost his mind. He will pay me if I find where he is today," with "he" believed to refer to Cahalane.
Motivation and Previous Incidents
Miss Martin claimed Wilson set up Cahalane for two reasons: she would receive a payment of a couple of thousand pounds, and "because Danny deserved to be hurt." Frost had allegedly contacted Wilson with threats, saying "get that bum to call me, he is dead."
The court heard that a month before the fatal attack, three men attempted to kidnap Cahalane outside Wilson's home in Oreston, Plymouth. Cahalane managed to drive away, with eyewitnesses describing him as "wide-eyed and terrified."
Other Defendants and Organised Crime Links
Another defendant, Jude Hill, 43, also from Plymouth, was involved in smuggling cannabis into the UK, though it remains unclear if this was directly for Frost. Hill had moved to Thailand after her property and car were targeted in an attack she attributed to Frost over an alleged drug debt.
Cahalane, a father of two, informed police in hospital that he owed money to Frost, whom he grew up with in London and worked for in Plymouth's drug operations. The jury was told that Frost, based in Dubai, ordered the killing to enforce the debt and demonstrate his authority, as Cahalane had "stalled and lied" about repayment, claiming losses from gambling and a subordinate fleeing to New Zealand.
Charges and Trial Proceedings
The ten defendants face various charges, including murder, manslaughter, attempted kidnap, attempted grievous bodily harm with intent, and participating in the activities of an organised crime group. All defendants deny the charges, and the trial is expected to last ten weeks.
This case highlights the severe consequences of drug-related debts and the alleged involvement of close associates in facilitating violent crimes within organised crime networks in the UK.
