A court has been informed that the enraged former wife of a man who fell victim to a brutal acid attack had sent him a series of disturbing messages shortly before the tragic incident.
During the trial, it was revealed that Paris Wilson, the ex-wife, had conveyed menacing words to her former spouse Danny Cahalane, expressing her wishes for him and his partner to suffer a similar fate with acid. Subsequently, a few days later, two unidentified individuals stormed into Cahalane’s residence in the dead of night, perpetrating the vicious assault.
At Winchester Crown Court, details emerged that the 38-year-old personal trainer, who was allegedly involved in drug trafficking, was indebted to a reputed drug lord identified as Frost, reportedly residing in Dubai, owing approximately £120,000.
According to prosecutors, Frost was irate due to Danny’s repeated failure to repay the borrowed sum and was resolute on imparting a severe lesson to him for his perceived disrespect. They asserted that Frost was keen on ensuring that Cahalane did not undermine his authority. In February 2025, two assailants forcefully entered Danny’s bedroom at his home in Plymouth, where his young daughter was also present.
During a terrifying assault lasting six and a half minutes, the attackers subjected him to a sulfuric acid attack and inflicted stab wounds as he resisted. Danny sustained grave injuries and succumbed to them ten weeks later in the hospital. The court disclosed that Wilson, aged 34, played a pivotal role as Frost’s contact in Plymouth.
Allegations suggest that she aided in locating her former husband to facilitate the retrieval of money owed to the drug kingpin, with the promise of substantial financial gain. Prosecutor Joanna Martin KC informed the jury that Wilson orchestrated a setup against Danny, anticipating a financial reward and viewing his suffering as justified.
During the proceedings, it was revealed that Wilson harbored intense animosity towards her ex-husband, accusing him of defrauding Frost. She conveyed her fatigue with his deceitful behavior and conveyed her awareness of his actions through messages exchanged with Danny.
Prosecutors maintained that Wilson was cognizant of Frost’s intentions to address the situation, as indicated by her prior threats involving acid. Furthermore, it was alleged that Wilson had enticed Danny to her residence a month before the assault, where three individuals attempted to abduct him.
The acid attack itself was carried out by two individuals, namely Israel Augustus, 25, who, along with another accomplice, faced charges, as revealed in court. Recounting the incident from his hospital bed, Danny reported that the assailants wielded knives and a screwdriver, demanding information on the money while pouring acid on him.
Engaging in a desperate struggle, Danny asserted that he retaliated against one of the attackers with the screwdriver, attempting to defend himself before the perpetrators fled through the rear of the house and escaped in a stolen vehicle nearby.
Wilson has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, manslaughter, attempted kidnapping, attempted grievous bodily harm, and involvement in an organized criminal group between January and April