Ten Defendants Stand Trial Over Fatal Acid Attack in Plymouth
The trial of ten individuals, comprising seven men from London and three women from Plymouth, continued today at Winchester Crown Court, focusing on the death of Danny Cahalane. The 38-year-old father-of-two succumbed to injuries sustained during a corrosive sulphuric acid attack at his Lipson Road home in Plymouth during the early hours of February 21, 2025. He passed away at Bristol hospital on May 3, 2025.
Graphic Witness Testimonies Describe Agonising Assault
Junior prosecutor Richard Posner presented multiple witness statements to the jury, painting a visceral picture of the incident. Neighbour Laura Davis recounted hearing glass breaking, followed by a scuffle and then a scream she described as unforgettable. "I've never heard a scream like this," she told police. "I couldn't even tell if it came from a male or a female due to how much pain this person was in."
Sheikh Gibba, who was walking nearby with friend Zach Soliman, testified hearing screams that grew "louder and worse." He discovered Danny "walking back and forth screaming and shouting 'help me'." Gibba described extensive injuries covering Danny's face, arm, torso, and leg, noting his "left eye was completely shut due to swelling" and he had "numerous cuts" on his left leg. Danny repeatedly cried out "it's burning, it stings," leading Gibba to suspect an acid attack.
An audio recording of Gibba's 999 call was played in court, capturing Danny screaming in agony, shouting "I'm going to die," "I can't see anything," and "I'm going to lose my sight." Paramedics who attended confirmed Danny was "screaming in pain" with an eye that appeared "opaque" and unresponsive to light, estimating 40-50% of his body sustained burns.
Prosecution Outlines Organised Crime Network and Drug Debts
Lead prosecutor Joanne Martin KC outlined the Crown's case, alleging the attack was planned and connected to substantial drug debts. The jury heard Danny was a drug dealer in Plymouth who owed approximately £120,000 to another dealer higher in the chain, identified as Ryan Kennedy, also known as 'Frost'. Messages revealed Frost had threatened Danny, warning "you're gonna die."
The prosecution detailed a complex organised crime group involved in drug supply across Plymouth and London, using cryptocurrencies for transactions and various methods for transporting individuals and substances. Evidence included messages discussing "special water for real fights" allegedly referring to surplus acid, and financial transfers exceeding $300,000 between defendants.
Martin KC emphasised the defendants' varying roles, from direct involvement in the attack to facilitating transport and providing accommodation. She highlighted how some accused had prior convictions for drug possession with intent to supply, with significant quantities of cannabis, crack cocaine, and other substances found during arrests.
Specific Allegations Against Individual Defendants
The prosecution presented detailed allegations against each defendant:
- Paris Wilson, Danny's ex-wife, allegedly expressed vitriol towards him and communicated regularly with Frost. Messages showed her hoping Danny would "end up with acid in your face." The prosecution suggested she provided crucial information about Danny's whereabouts and home layout.
- Jude Hill and Jenna Said were accused of arranging accommodation for perpetrators. Hill's voicemails suggested prior knowledge of the planned attack, while Said allegedly allowed her address for drug-related activities.
- Abdulrasheed Adedoja and Ramarnee Bakas-Sithole were portrayed as key figures in the organised crime group, coordinating activities and finances.
- Israel Augustus, Isanah Sungum, and Brian Kalemba were alleged to have been directly involved in transporting individuals and acid to Plymouth, with knowledge of the planned attack.
- Jean and Arrone Mukuna were linked to drug supply operations and communications with Bakas-Sithole around the time of the attack.
Charges and Ongoing Proceedings
Seven defendants face charges of murder and an alternative count of manslaughter. Five are charged with attempted kidnapping and attempted grievous bodily harm relating to an earlier incident on January 19, 2025. Nine defendants face additional charges of involvement in an organised crime gang involved in drug supply between January and April 2025. All ten defendants deny the charges.
The trial continues, with the prosecution expected to present further evidence linking the defendants to the organised crime network and the fatal attack on Danny Cahalane.
