Preston, UK—In a case that has sparked intense legal and social debate, Ryan Wellings, 30, was sentenced to six-and-a-half years in jail after a jury cleared him of manslaughter charges in connection with the tragic death of his partner, Kiena Dawes, 23. Despite this acquittal, Wellings was convicted of prolonged assault and coercive control over Dawes, who took her own life in July 2022.

In a legal first, prosecutors charged Wellings with the unlawful killing of Dawes, reflecting the gravity of their findings about the role domestic abuse played in the series of events leading up to her death.

While Wellings was cleared of manslaughter, during a six-week trial at Preston Crown Court, he was found guilty of the severe abuse Dawes suffered over a two-year period.

The court heard that Dawes, described by friends and family as happy-go-lucky and full of life, was subjected to a corrosive cycle of abuse, manipulation, and psychological torment.

This included physical assault and threats of extreme violence.

Wellings' behaviour was deemed instrumental in shaping the tragic “background and scene” to her psychological despair, according to prosecutor Paul Greaney KC, even though the jury found this insufficienct for a manslaughter conviction.

Dawes left a poignant suicide note accusing Wellings of destroying her life, a narrative that has sparked broader discussions on the legal responsibilities surrounding emotional and physical abuse in intimate relationships.

Her note was a grim testament to the abuse she felt trapped by, as Wellings wielded control over her movements and self-worth.

Prior to meeting Wellings, Dawes, a hairdresser from Fleetwood, Lancashire, had already battled considerable mental health issues.

Her struggle with emotionally unstable personality disorder left her vulnerable to Wellings' coercive behaviour.

The court noted that her condition, marked by impulsivity and low self-esteem, was cruelly exploited by Wellings.

Despite prior attempts on her life before their relationship, her legal team argued that her death stemmed from various multifaceted factors, illustrating the challenges courts face in such complex domestic abuse cases.

In a gut-wrenching twist, it was revealed that Wellings defiantly ignored his bail conditions following a final assault on Dawes, leaving her feeling unsupported by authorities.

Tragically, this perceived lack of institutional protection precipitated the young mother’s final decision, leaving her nine-month-old daughter in the care of a friend before walking to a railway line to end her life.

The trial has ignited further scrutiny into police and judicial responses to domestic violence cases.

Previous incidents had seen police involvement end fruitlessly, with pressure and intimidation from Wellings discouraging Dawes from pursuing charges to completion.

In a victim impact statement, Dawes' mother, Angela, lamented the protracted trial process as a violation of her daughter’s dignity, expressing profound grief and dissatisfaction with how her daughter’s life and mental health were dissected in court.

This case draws attention to a wider crisis in England and Wales, where from 2020 to 2023, 723 domestic abuse-related deaths were reported, of which 216 were suspected suicides.

It highlights an urgent need for systemic reform in addressing domestic violence and supporting victims adequately.

This case also parallels an earlier incident involving Nicholas Allen, who was convicted of manslaughter after his partner’s suicide in 2017, underscoring the prosecutorial challenges in these tragic situations.

For those affected by issues raised in this article or in need of support, Samaritans are available on 116 123, or via their website.