Man killed in acid attack is at centre of trial

Ten people are on trial at Winchester Crown Court over the death of Danny Cahalane after prosecutors say he was sprayed with sulphuric acid at his Plymouth home in February 2025; the trial is hearing witness statements and evidence linking the attack to alleged organised drug activity.

Ten people are on trial at Winchester Crown Court over the death of Danny Cahalane, who prosecutors say was sprayed with sulphuric acid at his home in Plymouth in February 2025 and later died in hospital on May 3, 2025. The prosecution has told the jury it will link the assault to organised drug activity and disputes over debt. Witness statements, messages and financial transactions are being presented as part of the case. The trial is ongoing and the jury is hearing further evidence. What the court heard: - Witnesses reported hearing a loud scream and finding Mr Cahalane in severe distress outside his home on 21 February 2025. - Emergency responders and police described visible injuries and said they found containers and an odour consistent with sulphuric acid at the scene. - Prosecutors say the attack was planned and connected to disputes over drug debts, and they referenced messages and money transfers as evidence. - Ten defendants — seven men from London and three women from Plymouth — are on trial; seven face charges including murder with an alternative count of manslaughter, and others face related charges including organised drug supply. - All defendants deny the charges; the trial continues at Winchester Crown Court. Summary: The prosecution alleges the assault was part of organised criminal activity and the court is examining witness testimony, messages and financial records. The trial is ongoing at Winchester Crown Court and will continue as further evidence is heard.