Drug Lord's Alleged Death Threats Revealed in Acid Attack Murder Trial
Winchester Crown Court has heard disturbing details of alleged threats made by a drug boss against a father-of-two in the weeks before he died following a brutal acid attack. The trial involves ten defendants from London and Plymouth, with seven facing murder charges.
Chilling Message Exchange Before Fatal Attack
The jury was told that Danny Cahalane, 38, exchanged numerous messages with drug boss Ryan Kennedy, also known as "Frost", in the weeks leading up to the attack at his Plymouth home on February 21, 2025. The court heard that Kennedy allegedly threatened to have Cahalane killed over drug debts amounting to tens of thousands of pounds.
Prosecutor Richard Posner read out recovered messages in court, with police investigator Detective Sergeant Ed Carr reading Cahalane's responses. The exchanges revealed escalating threats from Kennedy, who prosecutors claim was enraged by Cahalane's failure to repay substantial sums.
Escalating Threats and Violent Promises
In one particularly disturbing message from January 7, 2025, Kennedy allegedly wrote: "Mate I promise to god and everybody life today is that last day of me listening to your bulls***. You will see after today I'm not joking about." The threats grew more specific and violent as days passed.
By January 16, the messages became more direct, with Kennedy allegedly telling Cahalane: "Your gonna die. F*** off." When Cahalane questioned what he meant, Kennedy reportedly responded with graphic threats of violence, including having his eyes removed.
Threats to Family and Property
The court heard that Kennedy allegedly threatened not only Cahalane but also his family members. In messages following an alleged kidnapping incident in The Quay, Oreston on January 19, 2025, Kennedy reportedly wrote: "Mate I'm telling they gonna burn gaffes down and your gonna die. Your mums house going a light tonight as well. And your girls."
Kennedy allegedly emphasized his financial resources, writing: "I'm a millionaire. I ain't stopping until your dead." The prosecution presented these messages as evidence of premeditation and escalating hostility leading to the fatal attack.
The Fatal Attack and Hospital Death
Danny Cahalane was attacked at his home in Lipson Road, Plymouth in the early hours of February 21, 2025. He suffered severe injuries from the acid attack and was transferred to Bristol hospital, where he died on May 3 last year. The court was shown computer-generated images depicting the extent of his injuries.
From his hospital bed, Cahalane reportedly told police he was so financially strained he could not afford his rent. This contrasted with Kennedy's alleged claims of being a millionaire who could fund violent retribution.
Ten Defendants Face Multiple Charges
The trial involves ten defendants, with seven facing charges of murder or the alternative of manslaughter. The accused include:
- Paris Wilson, 35
- Jude Hill, 43
- Abdulrasheed Adedoja, 23
- Ramarnee Bakas-Sithole, 23
- Israel Augustus, 26
- Isanah Sungum, 22
- Brian Kalemba, 23
Five defendants face additional charges of attempted kidnapping and attempted grievous bodily harm, including Jean Mukuna, 23, and Arrone Mukuna, 25, both from Camden, London. All ten defendants have pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Background and Context
The court heard that Cahalane was a drug dealer in Plymouth who owed significant money to Kennedy, described as being "further up the chain of command." Kennedy, believed to be currently in Dubai according to court testimony, allegedly operated under pressure from his own superiors in the drug hierarchy.
In messages, Kennedy revealed he was "under severe pressure" from those above him, explaining that Cahalane's failure to pay had damaged his relationships and financial standing within the criminal network. This context adds complexity to the alleged motive behind the threats and subsequent attack.
The trial continues as prosecutors present further evidence about the events leading to Cahalane's death and the alleged involvement of the ten defendants.
