The former partner of a young mother who took her own life has been cleared of her manslaughter. Ryan Wellings, from Bispham in Lancashire, was accused of subjecting Kiena Dawes to sustained domestic violence and abuse.

Kiena Dawes, who killed herself in July 2022 following a campaign of vile abuse from her partner Ryan Wellings, made several attempts to break free from her abuser with calls to police and a charity h

Kiena Dawes took her own life on July 22, 2022, after being abused and assaulted by Ryan Wellings. The jury at Preston Crown Court found Wellings guilty of coercive control and ABH but said he was not responsible for Kiena's death.

Ryan Wellings was convicted of subjecting Kiena Dawes to prolonged domestic abuse and assault, but acquitted of the more serious charge. It was the first time a defendant has been tried before a jury accused of unlawful killing of his partner following a domestic abuse-related suicide.

Ryan Wellings cleared of manslaughter after fiancee took her own life. Wellings was cleared of manslaughter of Kiena Dawes, but will be sentenced for abuse at a later date.