A wife accused of murdering her ex-husband in a brutal acid attack had her text messages presented in court, shedding light on their tumultuous relationship and alleged criminal activities. The case revolves around the death of Danny Cahalane, 38, who died on May 3, 2025, following an attack at his home in Lipson Road, Plymouth, on February 21, 2025.
The prosecution alleges that Cahalane, a known drug dealer, was heavily in debt to another dealer, identified as Ryan Kennedy, also known as ‘Frost’, who is reportedly residing in Dubai. Joanna Martin KC, the lead prosecutor, described Cahalane’s financial struggles, including gambling with drug proceeds.
The trial at Winchester Crown Court involves seven men from London and three individuals from Plymouth, all accused of Cahalane’s murder, with an alternative charge of manslaughter. A further three defendants are implicated in an alleged kidnapping attempt on Cahalane on January 19, 2025.
In a series of text messages exchanged between Cahalane and his ex-wife, Paris Wilson, the court heard discussions about parenting and financial arrangements, as well as troubling indications of their relationship dynamics. One message from Wilson warned Cahalane to “genuinely be careful who you disrespect,” suggesting he was in danger due to his actions.
On January 14, 2025, Wilson expressed concern for Cahalane’s safety, stating, “I’ve seen you do 1,000 burpees, save £100,000.” She advised him not to waste the new year, indicating her awareness of his precarious situation.
The jury was also presented with texts between Wilson and her mother, Karen Wilson, which highlighted their discussions about Cahalane’s debts and the involvement of Kennedy. In one exchange, Wilson mentioned that Kennedy could offer her millions if she could manipulate a harbour master to overlook a container shipment, indicating a potential criminal enterprise.
Witness testimonies further depicted a chaotic scene on the day of the alleged kidnapping. A witness, Dave Huddy, reported seeing three men pursuing a white male in a car, describing the apparent fear in the victim’s eyes. Huddy later testified that he observed suspicious behavior from the men involved, including one who appeared to be concealing an object under his jacket.
Following the alleged kidnapping attempt, Cahalane and Wilson exchanged messages that reflected escalating tensions. In one message, Cahalane expressed disbelief at the situation and accused Wilson of revealing his whereabouts. Wilson vehemently denied these claims, asserting that she had protected Cahalane’s privacy in the past.
The jury also heard about Wilson’s threats against Cahalane, including her intent to inform the police about his debts and associations. As the trial progresses, the defense maintains that all ten defendants deny the charges.
The ongoing trial continues to unveil the complexities of Cahalane’s life, his relationships, and the circumstances that led to his untimely death. With multiple defendants involved, the case highlights the intersection of personal conflict and alleged criminal activity in modern society.
