The ex-wife of a drug dealer killed in a sulphuric acid attack in Plymouth has been found guilty of his manslaughter. Paris Wilson, 35, was convicted alongside Ramarnee Bakas-Sithole, 23, at Winchester Crown Court after Danny Cahalane died from his injuries on May 3, 2025, following the attack on February 21.
Two other defendants, Abdulrasheed Adedoja, 23, and Israel Augustus, 26, were found guilty of murdering the 38-year-old father of two. The jury returned the verdicts after 40 hours and 45 minutes of deliberation, acquitting Jude Hill and Isanah Sungum of murder or manslaughter.
Prosecutor Jo Martin KC told the court that Mr Cahalane was targeted because he owed around £120,000 to a drug boss known as Ryan Kennedy, who operated from Dubai. Wilson became Kennedy's contact in Plymouth, providing information on Mr Cahalane's whereabouts in exchange for promises of wealth.
Before his death, Mr Cahalane told police from his hospital bed that he believed Kennedy had ordered the attack, adding that his debts had grown after a junior dealer absconded with money and he lost funds through gambling. The court also heard that Wilson and others were convicted of attempted kidnapping of Mr Cahalane on January 19, 2025.
In a statement, Mr Cahalane's family said the verdicts bring a sense of justice but do not bring him back. They condemned organised crime, stating it brings 'destruction, loss and irreversible harm.' Sentencing for some defendants is set for Friday.
