Mother Faces Murder Trial Over Ex-Husband's Acid Attack Death
A mother has gone on trial alongside nine other defendants, accused of murdering her ex-husband in a brutal acid attack allegedly orchestrated over a substantial drug debt. The case centres on the death of 38-year-old Danny Cahalane, who succumbed to his injuries ten weeks after being doused with sulphuric acid at his home in Plymouth, Devon.
Horrific Attack and Fatal Consequences
In the early hours of February 21 last year, two men forcibly entered Mr Cahalane's residence. During the terrifying incident, the father-of-two was covered with concentrated sulphuric acid, resulting in severe and extensive chemical burns across his body. Emergency services rushed him to hospital for urgent treatment.
Although Mr Cahalane initially survived the assault, his condition deteriorated over the following weeks. He tragically passed away on May 3, 2025, with medical authorities confirming his death resulted directly from the catastrophic injuries sustained during the acid attack.
Drug Debt Allegations and Organised Crime Links
The prosecution has presented evidence suggesting the attack was motivated by a significant financial dispute within illegal drug operations. According to court testimony, Mr Cahalane occupied a "middle management" position within a large-scale drug dealing network and had accumulated a debt of £120,000 to another individual known as Ryan Kennedy, who used the alias "Frost."
Prosecutor Joanne Martin KC detailed how Mr Cahalane had reportedly gambled with profits that should have been returned to Kennedy, leaving him in what he described as "significant debt." Attempts to negotiate a repayment plan allegedly proved unsuccessful, escalating tensions dramatically.
Threatening Messages and Prior Kidnap Attempt
The court heard disturbing evidence about communications between Kennedy and Mr Cahalane in the weeks preceding the acid attack. Kennedy allegedly sent multiple threatening messages, including one stating: "You're gonna die, you just need to die. You've done me £80k. I'm going to give them 40k extra to take the eyes out of your head."
Furthermore, prosecutors revealed that Kennedy had organised an attempted kidnapping of Mr Cahalane on January 19, 2025. When this plan failed, Kennedy reportedly messaged him again, warning: "Close call? Mate I'm telling you they gonna burn gaffes down and your gonna die."
The Defendants and Charges
The ten individuals now standing trial face a range of serious charges related to the case:
- Paris Wilson, 35, from The Quay, Plymouth – Mr Cahalane's former partner, charged with murder, participating in organised crime group activities, attempted kidnap, attempted grievous bodily harm with intent, and manslaughter.
- Jenna Said, 39, from Ernesettle Greet, Plymouth – charged with participating in the criminal activities of an organised crime group.
- Eight additional defendants from London and Plymouth areas, including Israel Augustus, Jude Hill, Isanah Sungum, Jean Mukuna, Arrone Mukuna, Abdul-Rasheed Adedoja, Ramarnee Bakas-Sithole, and Brian Kalemba, facing charges ranging from murder and manslaughter to participation in organised crime and attempted kidnapping.
All ten defendants have entered not guilty pleas to the charges brought against them. The prosecution maintains that whoever carried out the acid attack must have intended to cause at minimum really serious bodily harm, establishing the necessary intent for murder charges.
The trial continues as the court examines the complex web of allegations connecting drug debts, organised crime, and this particularly vicious attack that resulted in Mr Cahalane's death.
