A woman from Plymouth has been jailed after a fatal acid attack on her former partner that began with an assault at his home on 21 February 2025.
Sentences handed down at Winchester Crown Court
At Winchester Crown Court, Paris Wilson, 35, was convicted of manslaughter and attempted kidnapping following a four-month trial. She was given a total custodial term that comprises an eight-year sentence for manslaughter and a separate 12-month sentence for attempted kidnapping. The judge ordered the sentences to run consecutively, with guidance that Wilson will serve two-thirds of the manslaughter term before release on licence and 40% of the shorter sentence.
Other defendants in the case received longer custodial terms after being found guilty of more serious offences:
- Israel Augustus, 27 (from Tottenham) – convicted of murder and sentenced to 30 years.
- Abdulrasheed Adedoja, 23 (from Neasden) – convicted of murder and sentenced to 31 years.
- Ramarnee Bakas, 24 (of Islington) – found guilty of manslaughter and jailed for 10 years.
| Defendant | Age | Verdict | Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paris Wilson | 35 | Manslaughter; attempted kidnapping | 8 years + 12 months (consecutive) |
| Israel Augustus | 27 | Murder | 30 years |
| Abdulrasheed Adedoja | 23 | Murder | 31 years |
| Ramarnee Bakas | 24 | Manslaughter | 10 years |
Court remarks and family impact
During sentencing, Ms Justice Norton addressed Wilson directly, saying the defendant had known an attack was planned to occur at the victim’s address at night and criticised what she described as self‑centred behaviour at the time of the assault. The judge also noted Wilson had been involved in arrangements relating to child contact.
"Whatever your motivation was, whether money, security or revenge, in that moment, your main concern was yourself,"
The court heard the victim, Danny Cahalane, 38, was taken to hospital after the attack and died several weeks later. Defence counsel told the court Wilson was "deeply sorry" and expressed concern about the effect of Cahalane's death on their daughter; a victim impact statement was read to the court setting out the family’s loss.
Local implications
The case has drawn attention to the severe consequences of assaults involving corrosive substances and the devastating new reality for the victim’s family and the wider community in Plymouth. The convictions close one chapter of a protracted trial that heard evidence over four months at Winchester Crown Court, but the long-term emotional and practical effects for those directly affected will continue.
Police and court officials have reiterated that such offences are treated with the utmost seriousness and can carry substantial custodial sentences. Members of the public seeking support or wishing to report concerns about violent incidents are advised to contact Devon and Cornwall Police or local victim support services.
