In a shocking revelation, the new girlfriend of a notorious domestic abuser, Ryan Wellings, has been exposed for wishing his late victim, Kiena Dawes, a ‘happy heavenly birthday’ after her tragic demise. Emma Croft, Wellings’ partner, was recently found to have posted glowing tributes to Ms. Dawes on her deleted Facebook page shortly after her passing, only to offer a belated birthday message on what would have been Ms. Dawes’ 24th birthday.
Ms. Dawes, a 23-year-old mother, endured a harrowing ordeal of domestic violence at the hands of Ryan Wellings, leading to her untimely death in July 2022. Wellings was acquitted of manslaughter charges but convicted of assault and coercive and controlling behaviour. Despite these convictions, Emma Croft stood by her partner throughout the trial, sparking outrage from friends and the public.
The resurfaced Facebook messages have generated widespread condemnation, particularly after reports emerged that Ms. Croft and Wellings’ mother, Lisa Green, are under investigation for allegedly influencing Wellings’ court testimony. Moreover, Ms. Croft faced backlash for her unwavering support towards Wellings, even losing her job amidst the trial’s media scrutiny.
Wellings, a father of two, received a six-and-a-half-year prison sentence for subjecting Ms. Dawes to relentless abuse. The judge described him as a significant risk to any future partners, highlighting the severity of his actions. Wellings’ violent behaviour, fuelled by cocaine use, culminated in Ms. Dawes’ tragic death and left her daughter traumatised.
The callous act of Emma Croft wishing Kiena Dawes a ‘happy heavenly birthday’ serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding domestic abuse and the ripple effects it creates. It underscores the importance of raising awareness, supporting victims, and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions to prevent such tragedies from recurring in society.