Yahoo News 'It was just a slap' - man accused of killing Kiena Dawes 'downplayed' abuse when he was confronted by big brother figure
The man accused of killing Kiena Dawes through a two-year campaign of domestic abuse said 'it was just a slap' when confronted by her brother's best friend, a court heard.
Ryan Wellings made the claim to Kurt Bradshaw, who told Preston Crown Court he had been best friends with Kiena's brother Kynan since they were 13. Mr Bradshaw described himself as a 'big brother figure' to Kiena, 23, and had known her since she was seven or eight years old.
Towards the end of 2019, he became friends with Wellings and later introduced him to Kiena as they were both single. But when Mr Bradshaw heard Kiena had been assaulted by Wellings while they were living together in Bournemouth, Mr Bradshaw said he was "raging."
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"I phoned him and threatened him," he said. "He downplayed it - saying he didn't do it, it was just a slap.
"I told him I didn't care, I didn't believe him and I'd sort him out when he came back to Blackpool."
In response to the incident, Mr Bradshaw and Kynan set off to travel to Bournemouth. However Kiena persuaded them to turn back.
"In truth, I'd have done him in," Mr Bradshaw said.
Mr Bradshaw said he next saw Wellings at Kiena's father's funeral, but she did not want him to say anything. Towards the end of Kiena and Wellings' relationship, Mr Bradshaw said he met Kiena on a night out in Blackpool.
"She told me she wanted to be out of the relationship," he said. "She was sick of being hit, terrorised and wanted it all to stop. I left her and said if you need me just ring straight away, I'll be there."
John Jones KC, representing Wellings, said: "Obviously you are not her brother but something like a big brother who was there to help her. You were there to sort her problems out and you were there, if required, to protect her. On the two occasions you have told us about, that is exactly what you intended to do if the opportunity presented itself."
Wellings denies coercive control, ABH and manslaughter at Preston Crown Court. The trial will continue on Monday.
