Why hasn't Ryan Wellings been jailed for longer?

Kiena Dawes with her baby daughter
-Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited


Ryan Wellings has been jailed for six-and-a-half years for the abuse and assault of his partner Kiena Dawes before she took her own life.

Wellings, 30, was convicted of controlling and coercive behaviour and ABH after a six week trial at Preston Crown Court. However the jury aquitted the landscape gardener of manslaughter. He was also sentenced for a separate attack on a pal, while on bail for the charges against Kiena.

Handing down the sentence, the Honorary Recorder of Preston, Judge Robert Altham, said: "You are to be sentenced on conviction for coercive control of Kiena from January 2020 to July 2022, and ABH on July 11, 2022. You are also to be sentenced upon your plea for the assault on Scott Fletcher in August 2023. There is no prospect of a sentence other than immediate custody.

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"I will pass consecutive sentences for the offences against Ms Dawes. Your overall criminality can not sufficiently be represented by concurrent sentences. The sentence in relation to Scottt Fletcher must also attract a consecutive sentence."

However despite the harrowing details of the case, which left a baby growing up without her mother, the judge's powers were limited as to what sentence he could pass. Indeed, he told the court that although Wellings is a "clear danger" to intimate partners, he could not pass an "extended determinate sentence".

Sentencing Council guidelines

The Sentencing Council sets out sentencing guidelines, which are a framework for judges to use when passing sentence. This ensures that sentences are consistent and fair.

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When setting a sentence the judge must look at the starting point, aggravating and mitigating factors. They will consider culpability and the harm caused by the offence.

They look at whether the defendant has previous convictions, whether they were on bail at the time of the offence and any other factors which may increase or decrease the seriousness of the case.

Controlling and coercive behaviour sentence

Ryan Wellings, 30, has been jailed for 6.5years
Ryan Wellings, 30, has been jailed for 6.5years

Controlling and coercive behaviour carries a maximum sentence of five years, however most sentences fall within the range of a community order to four years custody.

The jury found Wellings was controlling and coercive towards Kiena throughout their two and a half year relationship. He assaulted her, made threats towards her and her property, and was controlling and jealous.

He used her mental health condition against her, telling her her child would be taken from her if she reported his abuse. The judge sentenced him to four years for coercive control.

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Judge Altham said: "I remind myself I must be satisfied of the factual basis on which I sentence and those findings are consistent with the jury verdict. The jury aquitted you of her manslaughter so I must sentence you on the basis you have no criminal responsibility for her death however from May 2020 you abused, demeaned and belittled her and by the time she died it was plain she believed your lies."

Assault punishment explained

Kiena Dawes injuries
An injured Kiena Dawes after Ryan Wellings' attack

ABH also carries a maximum sentence of five years with sentences typically ranging from a fine to four years in prison. Wellings was sentenced to two years for ABH and a further six motnhs for the attack on his friend.

On July 11, 2022, less than two weeks before Kiena died, Wellings assaulted her at their flat in Fleetwood. During the row, he pushed her into a radiator which came off the wall, and kicked the front door into her head.

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Kiena was knocked unconscious and came round to find herself covered in blood. Her baby daughter was crying on the sofa but as Kiena shouted for help from the wondow, Wellings got into a taxi and left, telling her it was her fault.

'A clear danger'

The judge said: "Everyone who knew and cared for her regarded her as a truly wonderful person. We heard from family, friends and clients in the trial who spoke warmly of her.

"The overwhelming evidence is that you persuaded her that everything was her fault when you beat her. You said you did everything you could to help with her mental health problems and never assaulted her.

"I reject the view that Kiena had any power in this relationship. You have shown no remorse. You lack insight. Though an extended determinate sentence is not available in this case you are a clear danger."

Police reaction to sentence

DCI Andy Fallows, of Lancashire Police, said: “My thoughts today are with Kiena and the Dawes family in what has been another extremely challenging day for them. Listening to the harrowing victim impact statements read out in court, it is clear how truly loved Kiena was and how much she continues to be missed.

“While I am satisfied Ryan Wellings has been given a custodial sentence for his abhorrent, sustained and cowardly conduct towards Kiena, I know no sentence will ever be enough for the Dawes family.

“While lessons will undoubtedly be learned from this case, I want to take this opportunity to appeal directly to anyone who finds themself in an abusive relationship or knows or suspects someone else might be. Please make contact with the authorities or reach out to domestic abuse organisations for help and support. You are not alone and there is help out there for you.”

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