Mother of Kiena Dawes who took own life brands daughter’s abuser a ‘monster’

Credit: Family picture

The mother of a woman who took her own life after suffering prolonged domestic violence has branded her daughter’s abuser a “monster”.

Kiena Dawes, 23, was subjected to two years of abuse by Ryan Wellings, including being knocked out, and regularly slapped.

Wellings, 30, also threatened to use a drill to take out her teeth, throw acid in her face, and verbally abused and humiliated her, the court heard.

Shortly before taking her own life, Kiena left a note saying "Ryan Wellings killed me", before leaving their nine-month-old daughter with a friend, on 22 July 2022.

Wellings was found guilty of assault and prolonged domestic violence towards his partner, but cleared of her manslaughter after a six-week trial at Preston Crown Court.

He was the first defendant to face trial for the unlawful killing of his partner after her suicide following domestic violence.

Ryan Wellings has been found not guilty of the manslaughter of Kiena Dawes. Credit: Lancashire Constabulary

Following the verdict, in an emotional tribute to her daughter, Angela Dawes, said she hoped "no other young lady or child has to go through what he did to my daughter".

Speaking on the court steps on 13 January, Ms Dawes said: “I’m finding it almost impossible to put into words how big of an impact losing Kiena has been.

“Kiena was a rare gem. She brought so much love and kindness to this world, into everyone who loved her. She was an extremely beautiful girl and was quite truly the sweetest, kindest and gentlest person I have ever known.

“Kiena is missed so very much, every second of every day. Her baby girl was brought to my home a few hours after Kiena was found and has been in my full-time care ever since that tragic day.

“And I honestly cannot put into words how much it breaks my heart that her beautiful baby girl doesn’t have a mummy here because of that monster.

“I’ll never forget the day when three CID officers came to my door shortly after I lost Kiena.

“I truly hope no other young lady or child has to go through what he did to my daughter and her baby and I just wish with all my heart that I could bring her back and say, ‘It’s OK. You’re safe now’.

“Although a manslaughter conviction has not been achieved today, the convictions of controlling and coercive behaviour and assault clearly demonstrates the perpetrators of domestic abuse will be held to account and in prison for what they have done.”


Kiena's mum Angela Dawes speaks outside of court following the conviction


Jurors heard Ms Dawes, a hairdresser from Fleetwood in Lancashire, had suffered two years of violence and abuse at the hands of Wellings.

She had been diagnosed with an emotionally unstable personality disorder, resulting in increased impulsivity, poor self-esteem and difficulty in relationships, a condition allegedly exploited by the defendant.

Kiena had attempted to take her own life in the past, before her relationship with Wellings.

Bubbly and happy-go-lucky, she had been “swept off her feet” after meeting Wellings, a landscape gardener from Bispham, who had a previous conviction for battering his ex-partner, mother of his twin girls.

Wellings had Ms Dawes’ name and face tattooed on his body within a week of meeting, and proposed marriage within three months.

But Ms Dawes later said her “fairy tale” turned into a “nightmare” with Wellings, who had a vicious temper and regularly enjoyed cocaine and drink binges.

Domestic Abuse helplines

Fortalice

Fortalice is a Refuge for women and their children escaping domestic abuse.

Their 24 hour advice line for Bolton is 01204 365677, or you can call them on 01204 701846.

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  • If you, or someone you care about, is experiencing domestic abuse, you can phone The National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.

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Women's Aid

Women’s Aid is the national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children. They have been at the forefront of shaping and coordinating responses to domestic violence and abuse through practice for over 45 years.

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For assistance call or text 07802 722703, or email info@mdvs.org

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Described by prosecutor Paul Greaney KC as an “entitled, aggressive bully” and by Ms Dawes’ friends as a “horrible little b*****d” with a jealous streak, he did not like being answered back to.

His abuse of Ms Dawes included regular slapping and “ragging” by her hair and threats to use a drill to take out her teeth, and “make her look like Katie Piper” by throwing acid in her face.

He was unable to hold down work, securing and leaving 22 jobs and draining her of money while she worked two jobs.

Wellings claimed £15,000 in Covid loans during lockdown which he spent on hotels, £1,800 golf clubs and drugs.

After she became pregnant, Wellings gave her a black eye and began criticising her weight, calling her a “fat little b*tch” while contacting sex workers online.

Friends and her mother warned Ms Dawes to “run a mile” from “toxic” Wellings, but a pattern developed of break-up and make-up, as he made excuses for his behaviour.

More than once, police were called, but Wellings threatened Ms Dawes that she would have their daughter taken off them if she told them what was happening, so she declined to help prosecute him.

Kiena was left with a number of injuries after being abused by Ryan Wellings. Credit: Lancashire Police

Paul Greaney KC, prosecuting, read Ms Dawes’ note to jurors: “The end. I fought hard, I fought long. I went through pain no-one could imagine.

“I was murdered. Ryan Wellings killed me. He ruined every bit of strength I had left. I had dreams. I had a future at one point. That was taken away from me.”

Wellings admitted getting “heavy-handed” with Ms Dawes, but tried to claim any injuries she suffered were accidental or as a result of him trying to restrain her.

A final battering “broke” Ms Dawes, leaving her needing hospital treatment. This time she did make a statement to police and her tormentor was arrested.

He then broke his bail conditions but was not locked up, leaving Ms Dawes feeling let down by police. Four days later she took her own life.

Three Lancashire Police officers are facing disciplinary hearings over the case.

Wellings will be sentenced on Thursday.

Only one other defendant has been convicted in such circumstances before, Nicholas Allen, who admitted before his trial in 2017 the manslaughter of his partner, Justene Reece.

From 2020-2023, 723 domestic abuse-related deaths were identified by police in England and Wales, of which 216 were suspected victim suicides, a study by the National Police Chiefs Council found.