Partner not the reason mum took own life, court told

A 23-year-old woman who took her own life on a railway line was a "very troubled young lady", a lawyer defending a man accused of driving her to suicide has said.

Kiena Dawes, from Fleetwood, left a note claiming "I was murdered" and that her former partner Ryan Wellings had "killed [her]", Preston Crown Court heard.

John Jones, KC, defending Mr Wellings, said the difficulties in her relationship with the 30-year-old were not the reasons she killed herself on 22 July 2022.

Mr Wellings, from Bispham in Lancashire, denies manslaughter, assault and coercive and controlling behaviour.

The defence said Ms Dawes' medical records showed she had a history of mental health problems starting from the age of 13, frequent drug and alcohol use, thoughts of suicide and attempts to take her own life before and after she met Mr Wellings.

Miss Dawes had also spent time in a psychiatric hospital and her mental state deteriorated after coming off medication when she became pregnant.

She had also reported being a victim of domestic violence.

Three weeks before her death, she reported loving her daughter very much but also said she struggled with suicidal thoughts and intentions.

An appointment with a consultant psychiatrist for September was then brought forward to 19 July.

A voicemail telling her of the change was left on her phone but she did not attend and it is not known if she knew about the new date.

She took her own life three days later, leaving her eight-month-old daughter with a friend.

Miss Dawes first met Mr Wellings in January 2020 and was "swept off her feet", her mother had told the court.

He had her name and face tattooed on his body within a week and proposed marriage within three months.

But Miss Dawes told a friend their relationship was a "fairy tale (that had) turned into a nightmare," claiming regular violence from Mr Wellings and threats, including using a drill on her teeth and acid to disfigure her.

After the medical evidence was read, the case for the defence closed and Judge Robert Altham, the Recorder of Preston, told jurors no more evidence would be called.

He told jurors that next week they will hear legal directions from himself, closing speeches by lawyers and will go out to consider their verdicts on Wednesday or Thursday.

The trial continues on Monday.

If you or someone you know are having feelings of despair or are emotionally distressed, BBC Action Line has information on organisations that can offer advice and support.

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