Man found not guilty of manslaughter in tragic suicide case
January 15, 2025
The first ever defendant to be tried before a jury accused of the unlawful killing of his partner following a sustained period of alleged domestic abuse, including violence, in consequence of which she took her own life has been found not guilty of manslaughter.
During a six-week trial, Ryan Wellings, 30, was accused of driving 23-year-old hairdresser Kiena Dawes to her death after two years of alleged domestic abuse and violence.
John Jones KC from Exchange Chambers, instructed by Yvonne Siddall from Cobains Solicitors, represented Mr Wellings at Preston Crown Court. Anthony Parkinson of Fifteen Winckley Square Chambers was instructed as junior counsel.
The jury accepted the defence’s argument that there was no significant causative link between Mr Wellings’ conduct and Ms Dawes’ tragic death.
The 30-year-old defendant was found guilty of assault and coercive and controlling behaviour between January 2020 and July 2022.
Ryan Wellings was sentenced on Thursday 16 January 2025. The BBC coverage can be viewed on their website via the link below:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c3w8e05v67lt
Further press coverage can be viewed via the links below:
BBC News – https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czj3drenvl2o
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0jn81y7j14o
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2n2dn0rkxo
The Guardian – https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/jan/16/ryan-wellings-jailed-after-lancashire-partner-kiena-dawes-took-own-life
Sky News – https://news.sky.com/story/kiena-dawes-abusive-boyfriend-whose-partner-blamed-him-for-her-death-in-suicide-note-jailed-13289362
https://news.sky.com/story/kiena-dawes-man-whose-girlfriend-blamed-him-for-her-death-in-suicide-note-guilty-of-assault-but-cleared-of-manslaughter-13286357
The Independent – https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/kiena-dawes-partner-abuse-ryan-wellings-jailed-b2680651.html
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/kiena-dawes-ryan-wellings-abuse-not-guilty-b2676625.html
The Telegraph – https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/01/16/abusive-ryan-wellings-clear-danger-future-partner/
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/01/13/boyfriend-woman-death-suicide-note-cleared-manslaughter-uk/
