Ryan Wellings – convicted of assault and controlling and coercive behaviour but found not guilty of manslaughter after his girlfriend Kiena Dawes took her own life – still represents “a clear and present danger”, a prosecutor has warned,.
Wellings, 30, has appeared in court to be sentenced for his abuse of Kiena, 23, who he had a baby with. Prosecutor Paul Greaney KC told the Honorary Recorder of Preston, Judge Robert Altham that Wellings’ conduct was intended to maximise fear and distress.
Kiena made references in notes on her phone and in messages to Wellings about being scared and in fear. He once threatened to throw acid in her face and another time knocked her unconscious in front of their baby.
Read the latest on the sentencing of Ryan Wellings here
Bodycam footage shows Ryan Wellings being arrested on July 11, 2022
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The court was told Wellings was previously sentenced to a referral order for burglary and at 17 he was given a conditional discharge for using threatening, abusive, offensive words or behaviour with intent to cause fear of violence. The next year he was sentenced for criminal damage. His most relevant conviction is for the assault of his ex-partner Kayleigh Anderson in March 2019. He was verbally abusive and struck her to the back of her head. His own father had to restrain him.
The prosecutor pointed out the similarities between this case and the offences he committed against Kiena. He told the judge: “Ryan Wellings represents a clear and present danger to intimate partners.”
Kiena Dawes death: Heartbreaking two words daughter of abuse victim who killed herself keeps asking
Kiena was 23 when she died
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The trial was told he carried out a prolonged campaign of abuse before she was found dead on a railway track near Garstang, in Lancashire, in July 2022. The hairdresser, from Fleetwood, had vanished earlier that day after leaving her daughter with a friend along with a suicide note on her mobile phone which said she’d been “murdered” by Wellings. She suffered multiple injuries when she was struck by a Glasgow-bound train travelling at 110 mph.
Wellings, from Bispham, Lancashire, who had Kiena’s name tattooed on his neck within a week of meeting her, claimed their relationship was a “loving” one, she had injured herself, and he didn’t accept his conduct caused her death, while her underlying mental health issues may have caused her to take her own life. Upsetting footage of her sobbing while pregnant after being attacked by Wellings was also released.
Kiena was attacked by Wellings
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Kiena documented some of the physical abuse she suffered in the relationship
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Lancashire Police)
The jury heard about a suicide note Kiena left on her phone, which read: “The end. I fought hard, I fought long. went through pain no one could imagine. No one will know what I went through. I was murdered. Slowly. They tortured me, till there was nothing left. I lost my fight but I didn’t give up my battle. I fought till the end. Ryan Wellings killed me.” The note also said, “I hope my life saves another by police services acting faster” and that she wanted her daughter “kept away from the monster who is called her dad”.
Wellings will be sentenced this afternoon.
If you are affected by this story
If you are affected by this story there are many people who would be happy to talk to you:
Samaritans
If you need to talk and don’t know where to turn to, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit the website to find your local branch.
SANEline
If you or somebody you know is experiencing a mental health problem, SANEline’s helpline is open between 4.30pm and 10.30pm every day on 0300 304 7000.
Mind
The mental health charity Mind has resources aimed at helping you cope with and plan for a crisis. Visit their website for details on helplines, how to access crisis services and what to do if you’re unable to get help yourself. Support line: 0300 102 1234
*In an emergency, dial 999 for urgent help
Two women a week killed in UK by current or former partner
For confidential support, call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit womensaid.co.uk
If you or your family have lost a friend or family member through fatal domestic abuse, AAFDA (Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse) can offer specialist and expert support and advocacy.
For more info visit www.aafda.org.uk