Man Sentenced for Domestic Abuse of Kiena Dawes

Ryan Wellings has been sentenced to six-and-a-half years in prison for the abuse of his partner Kiena Dawes, who tragically took her own life in July 2022. Dawes, 23, left a suicide note describing Wellings as a 'monster' who 'killed' her, following years of psychological and physical abuse. Wellings was cleared of manslaughter but convicted of assault and coercive and controlling behavior. The court heard he subjected her to severe violence, including threats to use a drill on her teeth and to throw acid in her face, while also being previously convicted of domestic violence against another partner. Judge Robert Altham condemned Wellings for showing no remorse, labeling him a danger to future partners. This case represents a notable instance of a domestic abuse victim's suicide being linked to the perpetrator's actions in a court of law.