Accused Man Allegedly Threatened Acid Attack, Court Hears

A court was informed that a man facing charges of causing his partner to end her life through domestic violence and abuse allegedly threatened to throw acid in her face. Ryan Wellings, 30, has pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter of Kiena Dawes, 23. Prior to her death, Miss Dawes left a note stating, “I was murdered … Ryan Wellings killed me.” Miss Dawes left her young daughter with a friend before she died by suicide on 22 July 2022. At Preston Crown Court, it was heard that Miss Dawes informed a friend Mr Wellings had threatened her, stating: “I’ll throw acid in your face and watch it burn.” Miss Dawes, a hairdresser from Fleetwood, met the defendant in January 2020 and was “swept off her feet,” her mother testified in court. He had her name and face tattooed on his body a week later and proposed marriage within three months. However, it is alleged that Mr Wellings started physically and emotionally abusing Miss Dawes shortly thereafter. She reportedly described their relationship to a friend as a “fairy tale turned into a nightmare.” Mr Wellings also faces accusations of assault and coercive and controlling behaviour, spanning from January 2020 to July 2022, charges he denies. During the third week of the trial, on Monday, jurors were presented with messages Miss Dawes had sent to her friend, which contained allegations of threats made by Mr Wellings. A message from Miss Dawes concerning him stated: “He’s seen my story on Instagram.”Said if I don’t delete it and speak to a lad he’ll throw acid in my face.”His words were ‘You know Fearne McCann? What her boyfriend did? Remember I’ll do the same. I’ll throw acid in your face and watch it burn’.”He said no one would ever want to look at stretch marks from pregnancy on my hips. I’m a disgusting fat bitch.”That’s because I saw him on dating sites.” The jury has been informed of allegations that Mr Wellings slapped and attacked Miss Dawes. She reportedly confided in another friend, saying: “Been bullied till there’s nothing left of me.” Counsel representing Mr Wellings, from Bispham, Lancashire, informed jurors that Miss Dawes was a “troubled” woman. They argued that her mental health issues existed prior to their meeting and that her choice to end her own life stemmed from “multiple factors.” Previously, the court heard testimony that Miss Dawes felt “let down” by Lancashire Police. This was because, following Mr Wellings’s arrest for an alleged assault on her on 11 July 2022, he reportedly contacted her again with abusive messages. This appeared to be a violation of his bail conditions, yet no measures were taken against him. Eleven days subsequent to this, she died by suicide. The trial is ongoing. Further reporting was provided by PA.