Lancashire Police have released a statement following a court case where Ryan Wellings was acquitted of killing 23-year-old Kiena Dawes, a devoted mother who tragically took her own life. She described her relationship with Wellings as a 'nightmare'.

On January 13, 2023, Wellings was found not guilty of manslaughter but was convicted of assault and prolonged domestic abuse. The charges stemmed from the death of Kiena, who was a mother to their nine-month-old daughter and took her life on July 22, 2022, after leaving the child with a friend.

The six-week trial at Preston Crown Court revealed that their relationship was a 'recipe for disaster,' with evidence suggesting that Kiena's suicide resulted from repeated domestic violence by Wellings. A suicide note from Dawes stated, “Ryan Wellings killed me."

The jury's verdict deemed Wellings guilty of assault and prolonged domestic violence, while clearing him of manslaughter. He became the first defendant to face a jury trial for the unlawful killing of a partner after her suicide due to domestic violence. The court heard that Kiena’s suicide note implicated Wellings as her abuser.

Ms. Dawes, a hairdresser from Fleetwood, Lancashire, endured two years of emotional and physical abuse. She had been diagnosed with an emotionally unstable personality disorder, which Wellings allegedly exploited. Following the jury's verdict, Lancashire Police reiterated their commitment to support victims of domestic violence.

The police's statement noted that Kiena was reported missing before being found deceased on the railway line near Barnacre. The statement emphasized her determination to provide a good life for her daughter and detailed the emotional turmoil inflicted by Wellings.

"On 22nd July 2022, Kiena was sadly found deceased... She was a devoted and loving mother, who despite her challenges, sought to give her baby girl the best life possible," the statement said.

It continued, "Wellings took Kiena’s love and, in return, launched a campaign of emotional, mental, and physical abuse that broke her spirit over two and a half years." Kiena had kept a hidden note to document the abuse from Wellings.

Despite disappointment over the manslaughter verdict, police conveyed gratitude for the jury recognizing Wellings' criminal behavior. The statement concluded with appeals for anyone experiencing or suspecting domestic abuse to reach out for help and support.