In a quiet Wiltshire village, residents unknowingly aided two men shortly after they allegedly carried out a brutal acid attack in Plymouth. Witnesses at Winchester Crown Court described the suspects as “very polite” and seemingly “normal,” casting a stark contrast to the severity of the crime.
The trial involves ten individuals—seven men from London and three women from Plymouth—accused in connection with the murder of 38-year-old Danny Cahalane. Danny died on May 3, 2025, weeks after being assaulted in his Plymouth home on February 21, 2025. Prosecutors revealed that Danny was involved in drug dealing and owed significant debts to another dealer, Ryan Kennedy, known as ‘Frost,’ believed to be in Dubai.
During the proceedings, CCTV and dashcam footage were shown, tracing the suspects' movements post-attack. Officers discovered a Renault Arkana abandoned on the M4 motorway, linked to the suspects through forensic evidence including a fingerprint on cloned number plates.
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Victims of the attack, Kelvin Asante and Israel Augustus, were captured on cameras walking through rural lanes near Grittleton village, where they sought help charging a phone from a local resident. The men’s appearance—black tracksuits and trainers—stood out in the rural setting and raised some suspicion among locals, despite the men’s courteous behavior.
A female motorist also noted the men seemed out of place, not dressed for the countryside and avoiding interaction. Another resident shared her observations after spotting the pair on a village WhatsApp group, confirmed through Ring doorbell footage.
At the Neeld Arms pub, the suspects asked for assistance with a phone charger, with one even humorously referring to themselves as “shady looking characters.” A local couple extended further help by offering a ride to Chippenham rail station, during which the suspects engaged in casual conversation about entrepreneurial aspirations.
Following their departure from the station, CCTV footage showed the men getting an Uber to London. Phone records revealed coordination among the alleged gang, including organized travel arrangements, such as a costly taxi ride to a ferry port en route to Ireland.
Besides Asante and Augustus, other defendants face charges related to attempted kidnapping and grievous bodily harm related to an earlier incident in January 2025. All deny the allegations against them.
The trial continues as authorities seek justice for Mr. Cahalane and clarity on the extent of the organized criminal activity.