Kiena Dawes: Key missed chances to save young woman from 'torturer' boyfriend
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Heartbreaking missed opportunities to save a young woman from her drill-wielding "torturer" fiancé have emerged. Kiena Dawes, 23, took her own life after suffering prolonged domestic violence at the hands of Ryan Wellings, who was found guilty of assault and controlling and coercive behaviour on Monday. He was cleared of manslaughter.
Speaking after Wellings, 30, was convicted, Kiena's devastated mother Angela Dawes said: "I'm finding it almost impossible to put into words how big of an impact losing Kiena has been. Kiena was a rare gem. She brought so much love and kindness to this world, into everyone who loved her. She was an extremely beautiful girl and was quite truly the sweetest, kindest and gentlest person I have ever known.".
Three officers from Lancashire Police are now facing misconduct hearings after it was heard Kiena had approached the force multiple times about Wellings' behaviour towards her during his two-and-a-half years of abuse. In a suicide note found on her phone, she wrote: "I hope my life saves another by police services acting faster.".
Jurors at Preston Crown Court had heard Kiena left a note saying, "Ryan Wellings killed me," before leaving their nine-month-old daughter with a friend and taking her own life on a railway line on July 22, 2022. But in the 12 months before she killed herself, Kiena called police no less than five times either to report that she had been assaulted or give details of the domestic abuse she had suffered. On four of the occasions, she was visited by officers at her home. Twice she had visible injuries, including a black eye when she was six months pregnant.
