A woman entrusted by Kiena Dawes to look after her baby so the tormented young mum could take her own life screamed in horror when she found a suicide note tucked in with the little girl.
Kiena, 23, left her mobile phone containing a heartbreaking suicide note alongside her nine-month-old baby at the home of friend Kacie Valentine, who was in the shower when her mate popped round. A court heard that when Ms Valentine found the note, she was captured on her doorbell camera running from her home screaming, “no, no, no” in desperate bid to save the young mum’s life. Kiena, mentally tortured by a campaign of abuse by her parter Ryan Wellings, had already driven to a nearby railway track where she was struck by a train and died.
The jury was shown the doorbell footage of a panicked Ms Valentine running up the street having discovered the note. They were also shown a the last clip of Kiena alive as she arrived at Ms Valentine’s home carrying the heavy car seat and a black rucksack and looking resigned to her plan.
Moment pregnant Kiena Dawes sobs to cops after violent fiancé threatens to take baby away
Kiena ws just 23 when she died
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Image:
Lancashire Police)
Wellings was found guilty of assault
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Image:
Lancashire Police)
The devastating suicide note said: “The end. I fought hard, I fought long. I went through pain no one could imagine. No one will know what I went threw. I was murdered. Slowly. They tortured me till there was nothing left. I lost my fight but I didn’t give up my battle. I fought till the end. Ryan Wellings killed me.”
Yesterday 30-year-old Wellings, who had been on trial accused of Kiena’s manslaughter at Preston Crown Court was found not guilty. But he was found guilty of assaulting and guilty of controlling and coercive behaviour towards Kiena, who was the mother of his child.
Tragic Kiena’s damning note continued: “He ruined every bit of strength I had left, I didn’t deserve it. I didn’t ask for it. I hope my life saves others by police services acting faster.” She also wrote of her despair at leaving her baby girl: “Don’t let bullies live free. They don’t deserve it. Make sure the person who is tortured is heard. Let them have a voice. I lost my voice to them.
Kiena Dawes’ 999 call saw her plead ‘I’m absolutely covered in blood’ after ex’s assault
She was repeatedly attacked
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Image:
Lancashire Police)
She spoke of him controlling her
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Image:
Kynan Dawes / SWNS)
“I lost everything because of them. But worst of all I had to leave my girl ***** behind. Please can the world protect her. Make sure she is safe. She is loved. She is heard and she doesn’t ever experience any of the pain I have. I’m sorry I let you go *****. I’m so sorry I had to go. I tried my hardest to stay with you, to keep you safe from these monsters.
“But I couldn’t, I couldn’t protect you because they are aloud to live, speak, lie. Most importantly LIE. They lied. Repeatedly about me. The world turned their back on me. I would never have left otherwise. I was strong. I had dreams. I had a future at one point. That was taken away from me. I will always love my family. I love them unconditionally. I always have. I always will. Please protect them. I won’t rest in peace till I know my girl is safe. I hope ***** is kept away from the monster who is called her dad.”
Kiena Dawes with her baby girl
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Image:
Kynan Dawes / SWNS)
The final few lines to her little girl said: “Your beautiful smile when you wake up and see my face ***** was enough to save me. But these people took me away, I am so sorry I hope your life turns out happy, don’t forget how much I love you. I am going to miss you so much *****. Good night and I am sorry.”
During a six week trial at Preston crown court a jury heard the jury that almost from the beginning of their relationship Wellings repeatedly subjected Kiena to controlling and coercive behaviour, abuse and violence over a prolonged period to “grind” her down.
Kiena first met Wellings in January 2020 and was “swept off her feet”, the court was told. He had her name and face tattooed on his body within a week and proposed marriage within three months. But Kiena told a friend their relationship was a “fairytale that had turned into a nightmare”. She said she suffered regular violence from Wellings and threats, including using a drill on her teeth and acid to disfigure her.
Wellings, a landscape gardener of Bispham, Lancs, will be sentenced on Thursday.
Two women a week killed in UK by current or former partner
For confidential support, call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit womensaid.co.uk
If you or your family have lost a friend or family member through fatal domestic abuse, AAFDA (Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse) can offer specialist and expert support and advocacy.
For more info visit www.aafda.org.uk
If you are affected by this story
If you are affected by this story there are many people who would be happy to talk to you:
Samaritans
If you need to talk and don’t know where to turn to, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit the website to find your local branch.
SANEline
If you or somebody you know is experiencing a mental health problem, SANEline’s helpline is open between 4.30pm and 10.30pm every day on 0300 304 7000.
Mind
The mental health charity Mind has resources aimed at helping you cope with and plan for a crisis. Visit their website for details on helplines, how to access crisis services and what to do if you’re unable to get help yourself. Support line: 0300 102 1234
*In an emergency, dial 999 for urgent help