Ryan Wellings Sentenced After Partner Kiena Dawes’ Tragic Death Shocks Community

Ryan Wellings, 30, has been sentenced to six and a half years in prison after being found guilty of assault and controlling, coercive behavior that drove his fiancée, Kiena Dawes, to take her own life. The jury at Preston Crown Court reached their verdict after a six-week trial, during which they heard devastating details of the abuse Kiena, 23, endured over two years, according to ITV.

Despite the evidence of his cruel treatment, Wellings was acquitted of manslaughter, even as the court acknowledged the significant role his actions played in Kiena’s tragic decision.

In July 2022, Kiena was found dead on a railway track near Garstang, Lancashire. She left behind an eight-month-old baby and a haunting suicide note written on her phone, stating, “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”, reported by the Guardian.

The court heard how Wellings’ relentless abuse culminated in a brutal assault just 11 days before her death. Despite this, Wellings, a landscape gardener from Bispham, Lancashire, denied responsibility, claiming their relationship was “loving” and blaming Kiena’s mental health issues for her suicide.

However, the prosecution argued that his coercive and controlling behavior was a “significant factor” in her suffering. Kiena’s family described her as a loving mother and talented hairdresser whose life was tragically cut short by Wellings’ actions.

The case has sparked outrage and highlighted the devastating effects of coercive abuse. Advocacy groups have pointed to Kiena’s story as a call to strengthen protections for victims and ensure abusers face accountability.

Kiena’s family and friends hope her tragic story serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and addressing domestic abuse. Her suicide note, a chilling testament to her pain, has left a lasting impact on all who hear it. Wellings now faces years behind bars, but for Kiena’s loved ones, no sentence can truly measure the loss they have endured.