A jury hears claims of domestic abuse leading to Kiena Dawes’ tragic death
Garstang: A heartbreaking case is unfolding in court. A man is accused of driving his partner to suicide through domestic abuse. The court heard he knew she was at risk.
Kiena Dawes, just 23, tragically died on a railway line. She left a note saying, “Ryan Wellings killed me.” It’s gut-wrenching to think about her struggles.
Wellings, 30, is denying charges of coercive control and manslaughter. He claims Kiena exaggerated their arguments and made up stories about the abuse.
He admitted to saying hurtful things and restraining her when she got aggressive. But he insists he never meant for things to escalate like this.
The prosecution argues that Wellings exploited Kiena’s vulnerabilities from the start. She had a diagnosis that made her mood swings and impulsivity worse, increasing her risk of suicide.
Kiena had confided in police about the names Wellings called her, saying he threatened her by claiming no one would believe her if she reported him.
Her mental health issues were known long before she met Wellings. Her brother even warned him about her struggles when they started dating.
In July 2022, Kiena was involved in a car accident, distracted by suicidal thoughts. It’s heartbreaking to think how deep her pain ran.
During her pregnancy, Kiena faced severe mental health challenges, even spending time in a crisis home. She had previously reported feeling suicidal due to their relationship problems.
When she reached out for help, Wellings responded by threatening to set her car on fire. It’s shocking to hear how he reacted to her distress.
Wellings admitted he knew about Kiena’s struggles but claimed he never thought she would take her own life. A psychiatrist testified that her death was foreseeable given her mental state.
The prosecution argues that Wellings’ actions directly contributed to Kiena’s tragic decision. They believe he should be held accountable for the pain he caused.
The trial is ongoing, and it’s a tough situation for everyone involved. Let’s hope for justice for Kiena and her family.
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