Mother of woman who took own life brands daughter’s abuser ‘a monster’
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The mother of a woman who took her own life after suffering prolonged domestic violence has branded her daughter’s abuser “a monster”. Angela Dawes told journalists in a statement outside Preston Crown Court that she wished she could bring Kiena Dawes back and tell her “it’s OK, you’re safe now”.
Kiena, 23, 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. Wellings, 30, was found guilty of assault and prolonged domestic violence towards his partner, but cleared of her manslaughter after a six-week trial at Preston Crown Court.
He was the first defendant to face trial for the unlawful killing of his partner after her suicide following domestic violence. Speaking on the court steps on Monday, 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. “Kiena is missed so very much, every second of every day. Her baby girl was brought to my home a few hours after Kiena was found and has been in my full-time care ever since that tragic day.
