Man Found Guilty of Domestic Abuse, Cleared of Partner’s Manslaughter

PRESTON, England — Ryan Wellings, a 30-year-old landscape gardener from Bispham, Lancashire, was found guilty of assault and coercive control but cleared of manslaughter in the death of his partner, Kiena Dawes, who took her own life in July 2022. The verdict came after a six-week trial at Preston Crown Court, where jurors heard harrowing details of the abuse Dawes endured.

Wellings, who denied all charges, showed no reaction as the verdicts were read. He was convicted of assault and controlling behavior between January 2020 and July 2022 but acquitted of manslaughter. Dawes, a 23-year-old hairdresser from Fleetwood, Lancashire, left a note on her phone stating, “I was murdered,” and accused Wellings of killing her before her death.

During the trial, the jury heard that Dawes had suffered two years of physical and emotional abuse at the hands of Wellings. Her medical records revealed a history of mental health struggles, including an emotionally unstable personality disorder, which prosecutors argued Wellings exploited. Dawes’ mother, Angela Dawes, described her daughter as a “rare gem” who brought love and kindness to the world. “I truly hope no other young lady or child has to go through what [Wellings] did to my daughter,” she said outside the court.

Wellings’ abuse included regular slapping, hair-pulling, and threats of extreme violence, such as using a drill to remove Dawes’ teeth or throwing acid in her face. He also drained her financially, spending £15,000 in Covid loans on hotels, golf clubs, and drugs. Despite multiple police interventions, Dawes felt trapped, fearing Wellings would take their daughter away if she cooperated with authorities.

In a final attack, Dawes was hospitalized and made a statement to police, leading to Wellings’ arrest. However, he breached bail conditions and was not detained, leaving Dawes feeling abandoned by the justice system. Four days later, she took her own life.

Three Lancashire Police officers are now facing disciplinary hearings over their handling of the case. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) found that officers failed to adequately respond to Dawes’ complaints. Assistant Chief Constable Mark Winstanley expressed hope that the guilty verdicts would bring some sense of justice to Dawes’ family. “We will seek to learn any lessons we can from Kiena’s tragic death,” he said.

Wellings’ mother and current girlfriend are also under investigation for allegedly coaching him on his testimony during the trial. Prosecutor Paul Greaney KC described Wellings as an “entitled, aggressive bully” who isolated and controlled Dawes. “He broke her spirit,” Greaney said.

Dawes’ death has sparked calls for improved support for domestic abuse victims. Her family and advocates hope her story will lead to systemic changes in how such cases are handled.