What began as a bitter breakup between former partners has unfolded into a chilling courtroom narrative involving threats, organised crime, and a fatal acid attack.
Jurors are now hearing how deeply personal resentment, financial desperation, and criminal influence allegedly collided in the months leading up to the brutal death of fitness instructor Danny Cahalane.
A Shocking Message Before the Attack
The court was told that just four days before Danny Cahalane was attacked, his ex-wife, Paris Wilson, sent him a message that now looms large over the case.
According to prosecutors, she told her former husband that she hoped he — and his girlfriend — would “end up with acid in your face.”
That message, jurors heard, was not an empty insult spoken in anger.
Prosecutors say Wilson fully understood the violent implications behind those words, especially given the company she was keeping at the time.
Prosecutors Outline an Alleged Murder Plot
Paris Wilson, 35, is accused of helping to orchestrate the killing of her ex-husband after their marriage collapsed in what prosecutors described as an “acrimonious” split.
The court heard that she allegedly worked alongside Ryan Kennedy, a drugs boss known in criminal circles as “Frost,” to track Cahalane’s movements and set him up for attack.
Kennedy, who was said to be operating from Dubai, was allegedly furious that Cahalane owed him £120,000 after gambling away profits made from drug dealing.
Jurors were told Kennedy wanted to “teach him a lesson” and assert control.
Acting as the Link on the Ground
According to the prosecution, Wilson became Frost’s main point of contact in Plymouth.
Through her, Kennedy was allegedly able to keep tabs on where Cahalane was and apply pressure for repayment.
Prosecutors say Wilson willingly passed on that information, believing she would be rewarded financially.
She allegedly agreed to help in exchange for “a couple of grand” and because she felt her ex-husband deserved to be hurt.
Messages That Reveal Intent
The jury was shown a series of messages between Wilson and her mother that prosecutors say expose her mindset.
In one, Wilson said she hated her ex-husband “so much.” In another, she suggested he was using their daughter as a shield to avoid Frost’s reach.
On January 8, she allegedly told her mother that Frost was “losing his mind” and had offered to pay her thousands of pounds if she helped locate Cahalane.
She also referred to Kennedy as “minted,” adding that Cahalane was drowning in debt and lies.
Targeting Those Around Him
The court heard that Wilson showed little concern for the safety of others close to Cahalane.
Referring to his new partner, Michaela, she allegedly messaged her mother saying she didn’t care if she was grabbed and forced to reveal his location.
Despite expressing worries about “karma,” Wilson allegedly reassured herself that only Danny would get hurt — something prosecutors say shows she knew exactly what kind of violence was being discussed.
A Failed Attempt Before the Fatal Attack
Jurors were told that the acid attack was not the first attempt on Cahalane’s life.
In January 2025, Wilson allegedly lured him to her home, where three men tried to abduct him.
On another occasion, men acting on Frost’s orders reportedly tried to rip open his car door as he dropped off his daughter — information only Wilson would have known, prosecutors argued.
The Night Everything Changed
On February 21, 2025, two men broke into Cahalane’s home in Plymouth while he was asleep in his bedroom.
His young daughter was also inside the house.
During a six-and-a-half-minute assault, attackers armed with knives and a screwdriver allegedly poured sulphuric acid over his body.
Cahalane survived the initial attack but suffered catastrophic injuries.
He spent around ten weeks in hospital before dying on May 3, 2025.
What Cahalane Told Police
Before his death, Cahalane was able to tell police what had happened.
He described being ambushed by two men who drenched him in acid during the prolonged attack.
Prosecutors say his account aligns with the wider evidence gathered during the investigation.
A Major Trial With Multiple Defendants
Ten people are currently on trial at Winchester Crown Court.
Wilson faces multiple charges, including murder, manslaughter, attempted kidnap, attempted grievous bodily harm with intent, and participating in the activities of an organised crime group.
Five men — Abdulrasheed Adedoja, Ramarnee Bakas-Sithole, Israel Augustus, Isanah Sungum, and Brian Kalemba — along with Jude Hill, are also accused of murder. All defendants have pleaded not guilty.
The Man Allegedly Behind It All
Ryan Kennedy, the alleged mastermind, is not on trial.
The court was told he is “almost certainly” in Dubai and has not been charged.
Jurors heard that he issued explicit death threats to Cahalane, including messages promising to target his family and burn down homes.
Prosecutors’ Core Claim
Summing up the prosecution’s position, Ms Joanna Martin KC told the court there was “no doubt” Wilson set up her ex-husband.
She says Wilson did so for two reasons: financial reward and personal resentment.
As these claims were laid out, Wilson reportedly shook her head in the dock.
What Happens Next
The trial is ongoing, with jurors continuing to hear evidence about the alleged planning, communication, and execution of the attack.
The court will next examine the roles of the remaining defendants and whether prosecutors can prove the case beyond reasonable doubt.
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn