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.

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.