A father has died in agony after having acid thrown in his face in a callous ambush orchestrated by his ex-girlfriend and a gang. Danny Cahalane, 38, a fitness instructor and father of two, was attacked at his home in Plymouth, Devon, on February 21, 2025, and died in hospital on May 3.
Attack Details
The attack occurred at 3:55 am when Cahalane opened the door of his home, where his young daughter was sleeping, and had sulphuric acid thrown in his face. He suffered horrific burns to his face and neck, requiring numerous operations before succumbing to his injuries.
Convictions
At Winchester Crown Court, his ex-girlfriend Paris Wilson, 35, of Plymouth, was convicted of manslaughter. Ramarnee Bakas-Sithole, 23, of London, Abdulrasheed Adedoja, 23, of Neasden, London, and Israel Augustus, 26, of Tottenham, London, were found guilty of murder. Jean Mukuna, 24, from Camden, London, was jailed for 52 months for his role in an attempted kidnap of Cahalane on January 19, 2025, aimed at recovering drug debts.
Arrone Mukuna, 25, also from Camden, was sentenced to 16 months for acting as backup in the attempted kidnap. Isanah Sungum, 22, of Edmonton, London, received 26 months for supplying a stolen car and arranging transport for the gang. Jude Hill, 43, of Plymouth, sister-in-law of Cahalane, was jailed for 32 months for her role in supplying cannabis from Thailand.
Motive and Background
Prosecutor Jo Martin KC told the trial that Cahalane owed his drug boss, Ryan Kennedy (known as Frost), about £120,000. Kennedy, believed to be in Dubai, became incensed at Cahalane's stalling and failure to repay. Cahalane told police from his hospital bed that the debts arose after a junior dealer ran off with money and he lost more through gambling.
Sentencing, Ms Justice Norton said the offence required a high degree of planning and coordination. Cahalane's family paid tribute, saying: 'Danny was an outstanding father and son.'
