A mother accused of being involved in an acid attack against her former lover appeared in court yesterday – just over a week after the victim died.
Paris Wilson, 34 – a former probation officer – spoke only to confirm her name during a hearing at Plymouth Crown Court.
The mother-of-two is accused of conspiracy to murder and kidnap Danny Cahalane, as well as participating in the activity of an organised crime group.
Mr Cahalane, 38, was attacked with sulphuric acid at his home in Plymouth on February 21.
The personal trainer was taken to hospital but died ten weeks later, on May 3.
Seven men from London have also been charged in connection with the incident, as well as Plymouth mother-of-three Jenna Said.
Said, also known as Jenna O’Grady, 38, is also charged with conspiracy to murder, conspiracy to kidnap and participating in the activity of an organised crime group.
The two women appeared in the dock together, flanked by three prison officers. The other defendants appeared in ones and twos either before or after them in the tight dock of courtroom three.
Danny Cahalane died ten weeks after he had sulphuric acid thrown on him at his Plymouth home
Paris Wilson is charged with conspiracy to murder and kidnap Daniel Cahalane, as well as participating in the criminal activity of an organised crime group
Mr Cahalane, pictured with ex-girlfriend Paris Wilson, was said to have been moved to a hospital outside of Plymouth for his own safety following the acid attack
Judge Robert Linford agreed to a prosecution request to adjourn the hearing until the week commencing June 2, when pleas are expected to be entered. The judge said any trial would not begin until next May.
Wilson was reportedly once a probation officer in the city’s harbourside Barbican area and helped released criminals get housing and employment.
Wilson, of They Quay, Plymouth, was also a volunteer at Dartmoor Prison where she taught male inmates how to read and write, according to The Sun.
Plymouth Magistrates’ Court previously heard Mr Cahalane suffered horrific facial injuries after sulphuric acid was thrown at him. Following the attack, he was taken to a hospital outside Plymouth for his own safety.
In a statement issued through police following his death, Mr Cahalane’s family said: ‘We are struggling to come to terms with Danny’s passing. Danny was an outstanding father and son.
‘Danny and his mum had so much love for each other. He is well loved by his family and friends and as a family we cherish his love and memories.
‘We ask the family are please given privacy and respect during this time.’
Following the incident, officers remained at the scene for a number of days, with crime scene investigators in white forensic suits seen entering and leaving Mr Cahalane’s home. Locals were asked to check CCTV, doorbell and dashcam footage.
Mr Cahalane’s ex-lover, Paris Wilson, had reportedly once worked as a probation officer and taught male inmates to read and write while volunteering at Dartmoor Prison
Jenna Said appeared in the dock alongside Paris Wilson this lunchtime
In a statement last weekend, Detective Superintendent Ben Davies of Devon and Cornwall Police said: ‘Our thoughts are with Danny’s family and friends at this sad time.’
He added: ‘The investigation into the incident, which happened on Lipson Road in Plymouth, remains ongoing.
‘Nine people have previously been charged in connection to the incident.’
In a statement last weekend, Detective Superintendent Ben Davies of Devon and Cornwall Police said: ‘Our thoughts are with Danny’s family and friends at this sad time.’
He added: ‘The investigation into the incident, which happened on Lipson Road in Plymouth, remains ongoing.
Wilson’s LinkedIn page suggests she has previously worked in business development and holds a masters degree in public administration.
Jenna Said spoke only to confirm her name during a brief apperance at Plymouth Crown Court
The others charged are Ramarnee Bakas, 22, Abdulrasheed Adedoja, 22, Arrone Mukuna, 24, Jean Mukuna, 23, Brian Kalemba, 22, and Isanah Sungum, 22, from London. They are charged with with conspiracy to murder and conspiracy to kidnap.
Bakas, Arrone Mukuna, Jean Makuna and Adedoja also face a charge of laundering the proceeds of crime.
Israel Augustus, 25, of Haringey, London, is charged with applying a corrosive fluid with intent to burn, maim, disfigure or do grievous bodily harm.
All of the defendants were remanded in custody today.
