Chilling video doorbell footage has captured the last time Kiena Dawes was seen alive before taking her own life after suffering a lengthy campaign of abuse at the hands of her partner.
Kiena Dawes left a heartbreaking suicide note on her phone showing her tortured state of mind before taking her own life in despair at a campaign of mental and physical abuse by her partner Ryan Wellings. The tragic final image of Kiena was caught on a doorbell camera as she made her way to leave her baby daughter, still in her car seat, at a friend’s house.
She then drove to a nearby railway line where she killed herself. Kiena left her mobile phone alongside her baby with a suicide note written on it. It said: “The end. I fought hard, I fought long. I went through pain no one could imagine. No one will know what I went threw. I was murdered. Slowly. They tortured me till there was nothing left. I lost my fight but I didn’t give up my battle. I fought till the end. Ryan Wellings killed me.”
Kiena Dawes’ 999 call saw her plead ‘I’m absolutely covered in blood’ after ex’s assault
Doorbell footage captured the last time Kiena Dawes was seen alive
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Image:
Lancashire Police/ CPS)
Wellings, 30, was found not guilty of Kiena’s manslaughter at Preston Crown Court after she took her own life, unable to cope with his long campaign of abuse from her baby’s father. But he was found guilty of assault and guilty of controlling and coercive behaviour towards Kiena.
Tragic Kiena’s damning note , 23, continued: “He ruined every bit of strength I had left, I didn’t deserve it. I didn’t ask for it. I hope my life saves others by police services acting faster.”
She also wrote of her despair at leaving her baby girl: “Don’t let bullies live free. They don’t deserve it. Make sure the person who is tortured is heard. Let them have a voice. I lost my voice to them.
Kiena Dawes took her own life after a campaign of abuse from her partner
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Image:
Lancs Live/MEN Media)
“I lost everything because of them. But worst of all I had to leave my girl ***** behind. Please can the world protect her. Make sure she is safe. She is loved. She is heard and she doesn’t ever experience any of the pain I have. I’m sorry I let you go *****. I’m so sorry I had to go. I tried my hardest to stay with you, to keep you safe from these monsters.”
She continued: “But I couldn’t, I couldn’t protect you because they are aloud to live, speak, lie. Most importantly LIE. They lied. Repeatedly about me. The world turned their back on me. I would never have left otherwise. I was strong. I had dreams. I had a future at one point. That was taken away from me. I will always love my family. I love them unconditionally. I always have. I always will. Please protect them. I won’t rest in peace till I know my girl is safe. I hope ***** is kept away from the monster who is called her dad.”
The final few lines to her little girl said: “Your beautiful smile when you wake up and see my face ***** was enough to save me. But these people took me away, I am so sorry I hope your life turns out happy, don’t forget how much I love you. I am going to miss you so much *****. Good night and I am sorry.”
Ryan Wellings was found not guilty of manslaughter but guilty of assault and guilty of controlling and coercive behaviour towards Kiena
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Image:
Lancashire Police)
Kiena blamed Wellings for her death in a suicide note
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Image:
Kynan Dawes / SWNS)
During a six week trial at Preston crown court a jury heard the jury that almost from the beginning of their relationship Wellings repeatedly subjected Kiena to controlling and coercive behaviour, abuse and violence over a prolonged period to “grind” her down.
She had been diagnosed with an emotionally unstable personality disorder – resulting in increased impulsivity, poor self-esteem and difficulty in relationships. The court heard Wellings allegedly exploited her mental health condition, and while the condition played a part in her decision to take her own life, the court was told so too did his abusive behaviour.
Kiena first met Wellings in January 2020 and was “swept off her feet”, the court was told. He had her name and face tattooed on his body within a week and proposed marriage within three months. But Kiena told a friend their relationship was a “fairytale that had turned into a nightmare”. She said she suffered regular violence from Wellings and threats, including using a drill on her teeth and acid to disfigure her.
Wellings, a landscape gardener of Bispham, Lancs, will be sentenced on Thursday.
Two women a week killed in UK by current or former partner
For confidential support, call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit womensaid.co.uk
If you or your family have lost a friend or family member through fatal domestic abuse, AAFDA (Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse) can offer specialist and expert support and advocacy.
For more info visit www.aafda.org.uk
If you are affected by this story
If you are affected by this story there are many people who would be happy to talk to you:
Samaritans
If you need to talk and don’t know where to turn to, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit the website to find your local branch.
SANEline
If you or somebody you know is experiencing a mental health problem, SANEline’s helpline is open between 4.30pm and 10.30pm every day on 0300 304 7000.
Mind
The mental health charity Mind has resources aimed at helping you cope with and plan for a crisis. Visit their website for details on helplines, how to access crisis services and what to do if you’re unable to get help yourself. Support line: 0300 102 1234
*In an emergency, dial 999 for urgent help