Abusive man cleared of partner’s manslaughter

The boyfriend of a younger mom who took her personal life has been discovered responsible of assault and extended home violence however cleared of her manslaughter.

Ryan Wellings, from Bispham in Lancashire, grew to become the primary defendant to be tried earlier than a jury accused of the illegal killing of his associate after Kiena Dawes, 23, took her personal life following home violence.

The 30-year-old panorama gardener, was discovered not responsible of manslaughter and responsible of assault and coercive and controlling behaviour between January 2020 and July 2022 after a trial at Preston Crown Court docket.

Wellings, who had denied all expenses, made no response because the verdicts had been learn out.

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Ms Dawes’ sister wept and her mom regarded straight forward because the defendant was cleared of manslaughter.

Wellings, who shall be sentenced on 16 January, smiled and blew a kiss to his present girlfriend within the public gallery as he was led away.

Throughout the trial the jury heard Ms Dawes, a hairdresser, from Fleetwood in Lancashire, left a observe saying “I used to be murdered” and that Wellings had “killed [her]” earlier than taking her personal life on 22 July 2022.

The defence stated her medical data confirmed she had a historical past of psychological well being issues ranging from the age of 13, frequent drug and alcohol use, ideas of suicide and makes an attempt to take her personal life earlier than and after she met Wellings.

Jurors heard Ms Dawes had suffered two years of violence and abuse by the hands of Wellings.

She had been recognized with an emotionally unstable character dysfunction, leading to elevated impulsivity, poor shallowness and problem in relationships, a situation allegedly exploited by the defendant.

Wellings informed jurors he had by no means deliberately hit her, including that any accidents she had sustained had been the results of him “restraining” her when she attacked him.

Ms Dawes first met Wellings in January 2020 and was “swept off her ft”, her mom had informed the courtroom.

Wellings, who additionally had a earlier conviction for battering a earlier associate, had Ms Dawes’ title and face tattooed on his physique inside every week of assembly, and proposed marriage inside three months.

However Ms Dawes later stated her “fairy story” was a “nightmare” with Wellings, who had a vicious mood and repeatedly binged on cocaine and alcohol.

The abuse was detailed to the jury in lots of of textual content messages between them, and from Ms Dawes to her associates.

Described by prosecutor Paul Greaney KC as an “entitled, aggressive bully” and by Ms Dawes’ associates as “horrible” with a jealous streak, the jury heard Wellings didn’t like being answered again – which “triggers his anger”.

His abuse of Ms Dawes included common slapping and pulling her hair, and threats to make use of a drill to take out her enamel, and “make her appear like Katie Piper” by throwing acid in her face.

He was unable to carry down work, securing and leaving 22 jobs and draining her of cash whereas she labored two jobs.

Wellings claimed £15,000 in Covid loans throughout lockdown he spent on motels, £1,800 golf golf equipment and medicines.

After she grew to become pregnant, Wellings gave Ms Dawes a black eye and started criticising her weight whereas contacting intercourse staff on-line, the jury heard.

Buddies and her mom, Angela Dawes, warned her to “run a mile” from “poisonous” Wellings.

Greater than as soon as police had been known as, however Wellings threatened Ms Dawes that she would have their daughter taken off them if she informed them what was taking place, so she declined to assist prosecute him.

Wellings informed jurors “I am not a monster”, however did admit getting “heavy handed” along with her.

A ultimate battering “broke” Ms Dawes, leaving her needing hospital therapy. This time she did make an announcement to police and her tormentor was arrested, however broke his bail situations however was not locked up, leaving her feeling let down by police.

4 days later she took her personal life.

Three Lancashire Law enforcement officials face disciplinary hearings.

After the trial, it emerged that the mom and girlfriend of Wellings had been each beneath police investigation for allegedly “teaching” him to present proof.

Earlier than the jury was introduced again into courtroom on the primary day again after Christmas in the course of the six-week trial, Paul Greaney KC, prosecuting, informed the trial choose, the Honorary Recorder of Preston Robert Altham, that Wellings had repeatedly mentioned the content material and nature of the proof with them, regardless of not legally being allowed to debate his case with them.

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