Wilson's relationship with Cahalane began while he was serving a prison sentence, according to multiple reports. Cahalane was 38 years old at the time of his death. He was serving time in Dartmoor Prison for drug dealing when Wilson first contacted him in 2015, according to reports.
Wilson first messaged Cahalane after he noticed a joking exchange between Wilson and her mother on Facebook, according to reports. The two spoke for hours on the phone while he was still in prison, according to reports. Wilson and Cahalane met in person for the first time on a date in Plymouth after his release, according to reports.
Wilson said she believed that 'people deserve a second chance' when asked why she pursued a relationship with Cahalane, according to reports. Cahalane grew up on the Rockingham estate in south London near Elephant and Castle, according to reports. He was jailed for eight years in 2012 for conspiracy to supply cocaine and money laundering, according to reports.
According to BBC News - England, Wilson described Cahalane as 'charming' and said his presence filled a room in a positive way. Cahalane told Wilson he wanted a fresh start with plans for a gym and a family life, according to reports. Wilson attended Devonport High School for Girls and graduated with a degree in political science from the University of Plymouth, according to reports.
She worked in the offshore renewable energy industry, according to reports. The exact role of the person who carried out the acid attack remains unclear, as does whether Wilson directly participated in planning the attack or only orchestrated it. The motive for the attack beyond the relationship breakdown has not been established.
Wilson's sentence for manslaughter has yet to be determined.