Partner Accused of Threats and Abuse Leading to Woman’s Death, Court Hears

A court was informed that a woman, who was reportedly driven to take her own life by her partner, had previously confided in her mother about threats he made, including throwing acid in her face and “drill her teeth out”. Kiena Dawes, aged 23, of Fleetwood, Lancashire, passed away on a railway line in July 2022. This occurred following what are alleged to be years of abuse inflicted by her partner, Ryan Wellings, who is currently facing trial for her manslaughter. Angela Dawes testified that she had advised her daughter to “run a mile” from Mr Wellings, who is 30 years old, according to proceedings at Preston Crown Court. Mr Wellings, residing in Bispham, Lancashire, has entered pleas of not guilty to charges of manslaughter, assault, and engaging in coercive and controlling behaviour. Miss Dawes, a hairdresser, entrusted her nine-month-old daughter to a friend, leaving a note, prior to ending her life on 22 July 2022. Miss Dawes, who had a documented history of fragile mental health, stated in the note, “I was murdered,” and further asserted that Mr Wellings had “killed me.” Mrs Dawes recounted that her daughter felt “swept off her feet” when Mr Wellings had her name tattooed on his neck just days after their initial meeting in January 2020. The jury was informed that he proposed marriage within three months, and she accepted. Mrs Dawes stated: “I fear Kiena thought this was romantic and the fairytale she wanted.” However, Mrs Dawes indicated that she soon learned Mr Wellings had assaulted her daughter. Miss Dawes had informed her mother that he had thrown her over a glass table, resulting in bruising. Mrs Dawes testified to the court: “I said to Ryan, ‘You hurt my baby, my daughter’.” She continued, stating: “I said to him, ‘Look at her? How can you hurt her?'” His response was: “I’m sorry. I’ll get help’.” Mrs Dawes recounted: “I told her to run a mile. I said, ‘That’s not OK’.” Nevertheless, the violence persisted, according to Mrs Dawes. She recounted a separate incident where Mr Wellings demanded £50 from Miss Dawes. Mrs Dawes stated: “He dragged her by the hair to the floor. He dragged her around like a ragdoll.” By that point, he was exercising control over her. Her entire existence centered on Ryan; everything. She was compelled to comply with all of Ryan’s directives, constantly. Mrs Dawes testified that in 2021, when Miss Dawes was six or seven months pregnant, Mr Wellings inflicted a black eye upon her because he disapproved of the specific type of shower gel she had purchased. Mrs Dawes stated that her daughter had informed her that Mr Wellings had placed a drill to her mouth and “threatened to drill her teeth out.” Paul Greaney KC, acting for the prosecution, questioned Mrs Dawes: “Did Kiena ever tell you about whether Ryan might do something to affect her appearance? What did he say he would do?” Mrs Dawes responded that he had stated he “would throw acid in her face.” The defendant, from Bispham, Lancashire, asserts that these allegations are either false or overstated, and that any injuries Miss Dawes sustained prior to her death were either a consequence of his efforts to restrain her or occurred accidentally. The legal proceedings are ongoing.