Murder Trial Hears Emotional Text Messages Following Fatal Acid Attack
The jury in a murder trial has been presented with a series of emotional text messages sent by a woman to her mother, describing how she could not stop being sick after learning her ex-husband had been attacked with acid. The messages form part of the evidence in the case concerning the death of Danny Cahalane, a 38-year-old father from Plymouth.
Details of the Fatal Incident
Danny Cahalane died on May 3 last year, approximately ten weeks after sustaining injuries when sulphuric acid was thrown at him at his home in Plymouth. The incident occurred in February, and he was rushed to hospital but succumbed to his injuries later. The court has heard that Mr Cahalane was involved in drug dealing and owed a significant sum to another dealer higher up the chain.
Lead prosecutor Joanna Martin KC informed the jury that Mr Cahalane admitted to police he had gambled with drug profits, including money intended for a drugs boss known as Ryan Kennedy, alias 'Frost'. The court was told that Frost, from London, is believed to be currently residing in Dubai.
Text Message Exchanges Revealed
On Friday, February 6, the jury viewed messages between Paris Wilson, the former wife of Danny Cahalane, and her mother Karen Wilson. In one message sent at 5.30am on February 21, Paris revealed that Danny was alive and had been living at their former residence on Lipson Road.
She wrote: "Mum, it was horrific. I can't stop being sick." Paris explained she did not know the full extent of what happened to her ex-husband, but noted that three ambulances were present when she arrived, and he was hospitalised.
Her mother responded with a derogatory comment about Frost, to which Paris replied, expressing her intention to contact the police for answers. The exchanges also included discussions about their daughter, who was in the house during the incident but remained unharmed, and Paris's frustration over financial and legal issues related to the property.
Further Communications and Family Dynamics
The jury also saw messages between Paris and Danny's mother, Vivien, which Paris shared with her own mother. In these, Paris mentioned contacting PlymouthLive to request discretion in media coverage for her daughter's sake. Later, on February 26, 2026, Paris lamented to her mother about Danny's situation, saying he had gotten himself into a mess and had nothing left.
She wrote: "He got himself into such a mess mum. He literally had nothing. I just don't know why he was lying. I don't know what he thought was going to happen." Karen responded sceptically, and Paris expressed hope that Danny would feel remorseful.
Charges and Defendants
Paris Wilson, aged 35, and Jude Hill, 43, both from Plymouth, along with five individuals from London—Israel Augustus, 26, Isanah Sungum, 22, Abdulrasheed Adedoja, 23, Ramarnee Bakas, 23, and Brian Kalemba, 23—are charged with murder and an alternative charge of manslaughter.
Additionally, Wilson, Adedoja, Bakas, Augustus, Sungum, and Kalemba face charges of being part of an organised crime gang. This group includes Jenna Said, 39, of Plymouth, and Arrone Mukuna, 25, and Jean Mukuna, 23, both from London. Some defendants are also charged with attempted kidnapping and attempted grievous bodily harm with intent.
All defendants have denied the charges, and the trial is ongoing.
