Police officers face questions over Kiena Dawes death

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Kiena Dawes’ suicide note said she hoped the police would act “faster” in cases like hers – and three police officers are now facing disciplinary proceedings.

Ms Dawes had called police at least five times reporting domestic problems with her partner, Ryan Wellings. But on many occasions, through fear and threats from Wellings, she downplayed the abuse to officers, covered for him and refused to pursue a complaint, Preston Crown Court heard.

But 11 days before her death, on July 11, 2022, she did make a statement after a final assault by Wellings. He had attacked her again, knocked her unconscious, leaving her battered and needing hospital treatment.

This last assault was the, “straw that broke the camels back,” the trial of Wellings heard, who denied manslaughter, assault and coercive and controlling behaviour.