A man whose partner attributed her death to him in a suicide note has been found guilty of assault as well as controlling and coercive behavior, yet he has been acquitted of manslaughter.
Throughout a six-week trial at Preston Crown Court, Ryan Wellings, 30, faced accusations of leading 23-year-old hairdresser Kiena Dawes to her death after two years of purported domestic abuse and violence.
Shortly after composing the note on her cellphone, Ms. Dawes entrusted it and their eight-month-old daughter to a friend before taking her own life on July 22, 2022.
Ryan Wellings. Pic Lancashire Police
In his concluding address to the jury, Paul Greaney KC referenced the suicide note.
On Monday, the jurors delivered their verdicts.
Wellings had denied the charge of manslaughter but made history as the first defendant to be tried by a jury for the unlawful killing of his partner following her suicide amid allegations of domestic violence.
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Individuals experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts can reach out to Samaritans for assistance at 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the United States, please contact your local Samaritans branch or call 1 (800) 273-TALK
