A legal expert has revealed vile thug Ryan Wellings faces targeted attacks and isolation behind bars, following his sentencing after a campaign of abuse against his fiancée Kiena Dawes.
Wellings, 30, was jailed on Thursday for six years after being found guilty of assault and coercive and controlling behaviour, but not guilty of manslaughter, and was seen smiling as he left the dock.
For two years, he “tortured” mother-of-one Kiena, who tragically took her own life at the age of 23 in July 2022, after feeling there was nowhere left to turn.
The hairdresser was found dead with a suicide note on her phone, after she had left her nine-month-old daughter with a friend. It read: “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.”
Kiena Dawes suffered a catalogue of horrific abuse by Wellings.
(Image: FACEBOOK/UNPIXS)
At the sentencing at Preston Crown Court on Thursday, January 16, her brother Kynan Dawes said Wellings can now “spend the rest of his life being viewed as an abuser and person who beats up women”. He told the court: “I want people to see that domestic violence is not OK and men should respect their partners by showing them nothing but love and kindness.”
Wellings, of Fleetwood in Lancashire, was the first defendant to go on trial for the unlawful killing of a partner after suicide following domestic violence. Denying manslaughter, he claimed her death was due to “multiple factors”. Kiena reportedly endured controlling and violent abuse almost from the start of their relationship.
The couple met in January 2020 and lived together in Dorset. The court heard the list of sickening abuse at the hands of Wellings, which included regularly slapping her, trying to strangle her with a phone charger, beating her while pregnant and threatening to drown her in a bath and drill her teeth.
He also warned he would “make her look like Katie Piper” by throwing acid on her face, and drained her of money while she worked two jobs. After such behaviour, he would shower her with apologies and affection. Prosecutor Paul Greaney KC described Wellings as an “entitled, aggressive bully”.
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Legal expert John Eastham told The Mirror that Wellings may be targeted by fellow inmates who regard his crimes against Kiena as despicable.
Mr Eastham, who has over 20 years of experience in law and cases involving coercive behaviour, said: “Men convicted of coercive control offences often face a unique set of challenges during their incarceration.
“While coercive control is a relatively recent addition to criminal law, its seriousness is widely acknowledged, with perpetrators frequently being viewed with disdain by both the public and fellow inmates.”
Kiena’s case has received nationwide media attention since Wellings was charged in November 2024. Domestic abuse charities have since highlighted the lessons that must be learned from her tragic death. Mr Eastham said the increased attention could heighten focus on Wellings in prison and he could end up “isolated or targeted” due to the nature of his crimes.
He added: “Wellings’ case has received widespread media coverage, which can have a lasting impact on his experience in the prison system. Inmates who attract significant public attention may face heightened scrutiny from both prison staff and fellow prisoners.
“This could lead to Wellings being placed under protective measures, such as solitary confinement or transfer to a specialised unit, to ensure his safety.”
Legal expert John Eastham said: “Men convicted of coercive control offences often face a unique set of challenges during their incarceration.”
(Image: Police Handout)
He will likely be required to engage in rehabilitation programmes, but could refuse to. Mr Eastham said: “Many offenders struggle with denial or minimisation of their crimes, which can hinder their ability to engage meaningfully with these programmes.”
Wellings has consistently denied the charges against him, and tried to blame Kiena’s family. He told jurors during his trial: “I’m not a monster. Never have been.” A video of him, an hour after being charged with manslaughter, which was played in court, showed him holding a bottle of prosecco while being driven in a car. He tells the camera of his charges: “It’s all f***ing s**t.”
Prosecuting KC Greaney accused Wellings of attempting to intimidate the Dawes family with the video and said: “What we see there is the real Ryan Wellings. Ryan Wellings the bully. The entitled person. The person who thinks he can do what he wants to people and say what he wants.” But while Wellings felt in control before his sentencing, he may lose his attitude in jail.
Mr Eastham explained that the psychological impact of being in prison and scrutinised by the public “cannot be understated” for someone like Wellings. He said: “The stigma attached to coercive control offences is immense, and Wellings may struggle with the long-term consequences of this notoriety. This will likely extend beyond his time in custody, as reintegration into society can be especially challenging for high-profile offenders.”
After prison, his criminal record may make it challenging for him to rebuild his life. While his new girlfriend, Emma Croft, has been by his side throughout his trial, their relationship may hit significant barriers.
Mr Eastham added: “The media coverage surrounding his case may continue to haunt him. He will likely be subject to strict conditions, including probation supervision.”
He added: “Ultimately, the experience of imprisonment for coercive control is not solely about punishment; it also serves as an opportunity for offenders to confront their behaviour and work towards meaningful change. Whether Wellings takes this opportunity remains to be seen, but the road ahead will undoubtedly be fraught with challenges.”
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