Accused Man Claims “Only a Slap” in Abuse Trial

During a court hearing, a man facing accusations of causing a young mother to end her life reportedly stated “it was only a slap” when confronted by her friend about alleged domestic violence. A jury at Preston Crown Court has been informed that Ryan Wellings, 30, stands accused of subjecting Kiena Dawes, 23, to ongoing abuse and violence throughout their two-and-a-half year relationship. Ms Dawes, a hairdresser residing in Fleetwood, Lancashire, died by suicide on 22 July 2022, after leaving her nine-month-old daughter with a friend and also leaving a note. Mr Wellings, who is from Bispham, Lancashire, denies charges of manslaughter, assault, and controlling and coercive behaviour towards Miss Dawes, spanning the period from January 2020 until her death on July 22, 2022. Earlier in the proceedings, the court was informed that Ms Dawes, 23, had a history of fragile mental health. The note she left reportedly stated, “I was murdered” and that Mr Wellings had “killed me”. During the trial’s fourth day, Kurt Bradshaw, a friend of Ms Dawes’ older brother, testified. He had introduced the couple at a birthday party in late 2019. It was noted that within a week of their initial meeting, Mr Wellings had Ms Dawes’ name tattooed on his neck, and within three months, he had proposed marriage. Mr Bradshaw testified that he had known Ms Dawes since her childhood, and she considered him a “big brother.” The court heard that upon learning of Mr Wellings’ alleged attack on his partner, Mr Bradshaw contacted him by phone. Adam Birkby, the prosecuting lawyer, inquired of the witness, “What did you say to him?” Mr Bradshaw responded, “I threatened him.” He continued, “He downplayed it by saying he did not do it. It was only a slap.” Mr Bradshaw added, “I told him I didn’t care and didn’t believe him and I would sort him out when he came to Blackpool.” Mr Bradshaw later recounted encountering Ms Dawes again in Blackpool, where she expressed a desire to leave the relationship, stating she was, “sick of being hit, sick of being terrorised.” On a separate occasion, Mr Bradshaw stated he was informed that Ms Dawes had been assaulted once more. He and her brother then searched pubs in Fleetwood frequented by Mr Wellings, intending to assault him, but were unable to locate him. Prosecutors presented to the jury that Mr Wellings’ alleged pattern of bullying and violence was employed to demean and “grind” down Miss Dawes, ultimately resulting in her suicide. Jurors received a warning before being presented with photographs of Ms Dawes, taken after an alleged final assault by Mr Wellings 11 days prior to her death, which depicted her head and face covered in blood. The defence for Mr Wellings asserts that Ms Dawes’ accusations against him are either false or overstated, and any injuries she sustained before her death were a consequence of his efforts to restrain her or were accidental. The trial has been adjourned until next Monday.