Kiena Dawes

Mum's Death Sparks Police Misconduct Hearings: A Tale of Tragedy and Accountability

A young mother's heartbreaking struggle with domestic violence leads to police misconduct hearings – will justice be served?

Twenty-three-year-old Kiena Dawes faced a harrowing battle that many could only imagine. For two long years, she endured relentless domestic abuse at the hands of her partner, Ryan Wellings. This included violence that was not just physical but deeply emotional and psychological, as Kiena found herself knocked out and regularly slapped. Amidst the turmoil, Kiena's vibrant spirit dimmed, transforming from a 'happy-go-lucky' woman to one who could see no way out. Tragically, her cries for help went unnoticed until it was too late.

The situation escalated to a heartbreaking end when Kiena took her own life, a devastating decision that has left her family shattered and seeking justice. During the trial at Preston Crown Court, Wellings was accused of driving Kiena to her death, with her own mother unleashing her fury, calling him a “monster” for the pain he inflicted on her daughter. Kiena's heartbreaking final days resonate through the courtroom, echoing the desperate pleas she made: "I was murdered. Ryan Wellings killed me. He ruined every bit of strength I had left. I didn’t deserve it." Her chilling message underscores the need for better support systems for domestic abuse victims.

In the wake of Kiena's tragic death, three police officers now face misconduct hearings, scrutinised for their role in the responses to Kiena's earlier calls for help. This raises a critical question about the effectiveness of police protocols when it comes to reports of domestic violence. With numerous instances reported across the UK, the potential failure in Kiena’s case adds fuel to the fire of ongoing conversations about police accountability and the need for systemic changes in handling domestic abuse complaints.

As the hearings unfold, many are left holding out hope that Kiena’s story will not only facilitate a quest for justice, but will also shine a powerful light on the wider issue of domestic abuse. It’s crucial for society to learn from this tragedy—to provide victims with the right resources and support and to hold abusers accountable for their actions. Did you know that in the UK, an estimated 1.6 million women and 700,000 men experience domestic abuse every year? This harrowing reality only emphasizes the need for change. Together, we can seek justice for Kiena and countless others affected by similar circumstances, ensuring their stories lead to a brighter, safer future.