Ex-Wife's Chilling Acid Threat Preceded Fatal Plot Over £120k Drug Debt
A former wife told her ex-husband she 'hoped he ended up with acid in his face' just days before he was killed in a brutal acid attack, Winchester Crown Court has been told. The shocking revelation emerged during the trial of Paris Wilson, 35, who is accused of helping to orchestrate the murder of fitness instructor Danny Cahalane, 38, following the 'acrimonious' collapse of their marriage.
Plot Allegedly Orchestrated from Dubai
Prosecutors detailed how Wilson, a probation worker, allegedly 'fed information' about Mr Cahalane's movements to drugs kingpin Ryan Kennedy, known in criminal circles as 'Frost'. Kennedy, operating from Dubai, was seeking to recover a £120,000 debt after Mr Cahalane gambled away profits from drug dealing. The court heard Kennedy orchestrated the attack to demonstrate 'who was boss' and to teach Mr Cahalane a lesson for his perceived disrespect.
Wilson is accused of agreeing to assist Kennedy in exchange for 'a couple of grand' and because she believed her ex-husband 'deserved' to be harmed. The prosecution described her as the 'go-to contact in Plymouth' for Frost, providing crucial details on Mr Cahalane's whereabouts to facilitate the recovery of the debt and the delivery of a 'significant lesson'.
Fatal Attack and Previous Ambush
Mr Cahalane, a father-of-two, was 'doused in acid' at his home in Plymouth, Devon, last year. He succumbed to his injuries in hospital ten days later. The court was told that two men armed with knives and a screwdriver carried out the six-and-a-half-minute assault while Mr Cahalane was sleeping, with his young daughter present in the house.
Furthermore, Wilson is accused of setting up her ex-husband for an ambush the month prior to the fatal attack. It is alleged she lured him to her home, where three men attempted to abduct him. Prosecutor Miss Joanna Martin KC stated that Wilson acted 'on the understanding Frost would make her wealthy' and that she would receive a payment of a few thousand pounds.
Acrimonious Breakdown and Explicit Messages
The jury heard that the relationship between Wilson and Mr Cahalane had become increasingly hostile by 2025. In messages shown to the court, Wilson told her mother she 'hated [her] ex husband so much' and expressed that she was 'exhausted by [his] lies'. She also messaged Mr Cahalane directly, stating she knew what he had done.
In a particularly damning exchange from January, Wilson wrote to her mother about Frost: 'He said he will pay me a few grand and double what Dan owes you... They can't handle any more of his lies... he's in so much debt.' Regarding Mr Cahalane's new partner, she added callously: 'They said they'd grab her... and she's a c*** tbh mum so I don't care.'
Wilson also revealed her conflicted feelings, stating: 'I'm worried about my karma, but at least nobody but Dan gets hurt, and he did f*** massively with my life...and he deserves it.' The prosecution argued there was 'no doubt' she set him up, as only she could have known his precise movements when dropping off their daughter.
Multiple Defendants and Ongoing Trial
A total of ten people are currently on trial at Winchester Crown Court. Paris Wilson faces charges including murder, manslaughter, participating in the activities of an organised crime group, attempted kidnap, and attempted grievous bodily harm with intent. She has pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Five men and one woman are also accused of murder: Abdulrasheed Adedoja, 23; Ramarnee Bakas-Sithole, 23; Israel Augustus, 26; Isanah Sungum, 22; Brian Kalemba, 23; and Jude Hill, 43. All have entered not guilty pleas to murder and manslaughter charges. Several other defendants have denied participating in organised criminal activities and other related offences.
Ryan Kennedy is not on trial and has not been charged, as he is believed to be in Dubai. The prosecution detailed how Frost sent threatening messages to Mr Cahalane, including one stating: 'Your mum's house going a light tonight as well. And your girls. And your gonna die. I'm a millionaire I ain't stopping until your dead.'
The trial continues as the court examines the complex web of alleged betrayal, financial motive, and brutal violence that led to Mr Cahalane's death.
