Lisa Green, the mother of Ryan Wellings, who was convicted of vile domestic abuse before his former partner Kiena Dawes tragically took her own life, has come out in defense of her son. Wellings was sentenced to six and a half years in jail by Preston Crown Court on January 16 following the death of Dawes in July 2022. Despite being convicted of assault and coercive and controlling behavior towards Dawes, Wellings was cleared of manslaughter charges after a six-week trial.
In a heartbreaking suicide note, Dawes referred to Wellings as a “monster” before taking her own life, leaving behind their nine-month-old daughter. Judge Robert Altham condemned Wellings for his actions, stating that he made Dawes feel “worthless” and contributed to her belief that she was an “unfit mother.” Wellings’ mother, Lisa Green, stood by her son outside the courtroom, describing Dawes as “a very poorly girl.”
During the trial, it was revealed that Dawes, a hairdresser from Fleetwood, Lancashire, had endured two years of violence and emotional abuse at the hands of Wellings. She had been diagnosed with emotionally unstable personality disorder, a condition that made her vulnerable to Wellings’ manipulation and abuse throughout their relationship. Despite warnings from friends and family, Dawes found herself trapped in a toxic cycle with Wellings, who subjected her to physical and emotional torment.
Wellings’ violent past, including a conviction for assaulting the mother of his twin daughters, painted a grim picture of the relationship. Friends of Dawes described Wellings as an “entitled, aggressive bully” with a jealous streak, who subjected her to horrific threats and abuse. Wellings’ behaviour escalated during Dawes’ pregnancy, as he continued to physically harm her and engage in demeaning behaviour, leading to a tragic end for Dawes.
The case sheds light on the devastating impact of domestic abuse and the complexities of abusive relationships. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of recognizing and addressing signs of abuse early on to prevent such tragic outcomes in the future. It also highlights the need for increased awareness and support for victims of domestic violence to break free from abusive situations and seek help before it’s too late.