Inside Kiena Dawes’ Dark Final Days with Her Abusive Boyfriend
Kiena Dawes faced torment from her partner before her tragic suicide, leaving behind a note blaming him for her suffering.
Kiena Dawes, Ryan Wellings, Blackpool, UK, Domestic Violence, Suicide
Blackpool: It’s heartbreaking to hear about Kiena Dawes, a young mum who just wanted a happy life. Sadly, her last years were filled with pain and fear.
Kiena, only 23, took her own life in July 2022. She left a note that pointed fingers at her boyfriend, Ryan Wellings, saying he had “tortured” her until she felt empty.
The trial revealed some shocking details. Wellings had assaulted Kiena while she was pregnant and made terrifying threats, including drowning her and throwing acid on her face.
In January 2023, Wellings was found not guilty of manslaughter but was convicted of assault and controlling behavior. This case was particularly notable as it was one of the few where a partner was tried after their significant other’s suicide linked to domestic violence.
Kiena’s family had urged her to leave Wellings, who initially seemed charming. They met in early 2020, and things escalated quickly, with Wellings tattooing her name on his body just days into their relationship.
But what started as a fairytale turned into a nightmare. Kiena’s mum, Angela, warned her to get away from Wellings after witnessing his violent side. There was an incident with a glass table that left Kiena injured.
Angela described how controlling Wellings was, saying Kiena felt she had to do everything he wanted. The prosecution argued that Wellings took advantage of Kiena’s mental health struggles, which included a personality disorder.
In her suicide note, Kiena expressed that Wellings was responsible for her death, stating, “Ryan Wellings killed me.” This note highlighted the emotional and physical abuse she endured.
Over two and a half years, Kiena faced multiple assaults, and her loved ones repeatedly urged her to leave. Wellings would apologize after being violent, creating a cycle of abuse that Kiena found hard to escape.
Things got worse when they moved to Blackpool. Kiena reported Wellings to the police after he gave her a black eye while she was pregnant. She described him as a bully who terrorized her.
Despite police involvement, Kiena felt unsupported. After a final assault that left her needing hospital treatment, she made a police statement. But just days later, she was dead.
After her death, Kiena’s family criticized the police for not doing enough to protect her. They felt she was let down by the system, which should have provided her with the support she desperately needed.
In the aftermath, the Independent Office for Police Conduct began investigating the police’s handling of Kiena’s case. They found that some officers had cases to answer for misconduct.
Wellings, on the other hand, claimed he wasn’t a monster, saying Kiena’s injuries were either exaggerated or accidental. But Kiena’s words in her note paint a different picture of her suffering.
Her family continues to mourn her loss, remembering her as a loving person who just wanted to live a happy life. They hope her story will help others in similar situations seek help and find a way out.
If you or someone you know is struggling, remember that there are people who care and want to help. The Samaritans are available 24/7 at 116 123.