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BBC News
04-08-2025
- BBC News
Kiena Dawes' abuser, his new girlfriend and mother arrested
A man who abused his vulnerable partner before she killed herself has been arrested on suspicion of attempting to pervert the course of justice - along with his new girlfriend and his mother. Ryan Wellings, 31, was jailed for six and a half years in January for assaulting and coercing Kiena Dawes, who died on a railway line in Lancashire in 2022. The mother-of-one left a note claiming he was a "monster" who had attacked her physically and emotionally for more than two years. The force said Wellings' mother Lisa Green, 52, and his current partner Emma Croft, 28, were also held on suspicion of committing an act with intent to pervert the course of public justice. During Wellings' trial, it was revealed that police were investigating if his mother and Ms Croft allegedly "coached" him on how to give evidence during his six-week trial at Preston Crown he was entitled to speak to family and friends, he was not legally allowed to discuss his case with them. Police confirmed the two women were arrested on 26 February and have since been "released under investigation while enquiries continue".Wellings was arrested on 10 the trial, lead prosecutor Paul Greaney KC said there had been reports of Wellings talking about the case with both women while he was on remand at HMP Preston. 'Monster' The trial heard Wellings - who was found not guilty of manslaughter - had "swept Miss Dawes off her feet" when they met in he was frequently violent, punching, strangling and dragging her to the assault charge referred to when, two weeks before Ms Dawes' death, Wellings slammed a door into her head at their flat in Fleetwood, knocking her unconscious and leaving her covered in attack happened in the presence of their screaming baby Dawes left a note on her mobile phone detailing more abusive incidents during their relationship, describing Wellings as a "bully".Her brother told the trial: "The world now knows what a monster he is." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Daily Mail
03-08-2025
- Daily Mail
'Monster' who abused fiancée Kiena Dawes before she took her own life is arrested behind bars alongside mother and new lover on suspicion they 'coached him to give evidence'
A controlling 'monster' locked up for abusing his fiancée before she took her own life and blamed him 'from beyond the grave' was arrested alongside his mother and new girlfriend, the Daily Mail can reveal. Ryan Wellings, 31, was jailed for six-and-a-half years in January after he was convicted of subjecting new mother Kiena Dawes, 23, to years of sickening domestic abuse and brutal violence. Ms Dawes took her own life on July 22 2022 and wrote in her suicide note that she was 'murdered', adding: 'Ryan Wellings killed me... He ruined every bit of strength I had left. I didn't deserve it. I didn't ask for it.' In a case which sparked nationwide debate, Wellings became the first defendant in England to face trial for the unlawful killing of his partner after her suicide following domestic violence. Wellings, a landscape gardener from Bispham, Lancashire, was convicted of assault and coercive and controlling behaviour - but cleared of manslaughter. In a final insult to Ms Dawes and her family, the unrepentant abuser blew a kiss to his new girlfriend, Emma Croft, as the verdict was read out. The Daily Mail can reveal that Wellings, his mother Lisa Green, and Ms Croft were all arrested for allegedly perverting the course of justice. Ms Green and Ms Croft were released under investigation, while Wellings was hauled back behind bars while inquiries continue. The trial at Preston Crown Court heard how 28-year-old Ms Croft, from Blackpool, and 52-year-old Ms Green, from Bispham, had allegedly been 'coaching' Wellings to give evidence. Wellings made a series of 'calls' to the pair who had both attended the trial to support him from the public gallery. The abuser, while being held at HMP Preston, was entitled to speak to family and friends but was not legally permitted to discuss his case with them while giving evidence. But the prosecution said it was made aware of calls made where evidence was allegedly being discussed between them. Prosecutor Paul Greaney KC told the court in January: 'He has repeatedly discussed the content and nature of the evidence with Emma Croft and Lisa Green, during giving evidence and over the Christmas period. 'The assessment of the prosecution is that the defendant has misconducted himself, as has Lisa Green and Emma Croft. 'What has occurred here is effectively a scheme to coach the defendant in the evidence he's giving. 'There's going to be an investigation into this by the police because, on the face of it, there's been a conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.' A spokesman for Lancashire Police has now confirmed to the Daily Mail: 'A 28-year-old woman from Blackpool, a 52-year-old woman from Bispham and a 31-year-old man of no fixed address were arrested on suspicion of committing an act / series of acts with intent to pervert the course of public justice. 'The women have been released under investigation while enquiries continue and the man has been released back into the custody of the prison service while enquiries continue.' The date of their arrests were not disclosed by police. We revealed in February how Wellings had proposed to Ms Croft in a letter he left with Ms Green before the jury's verdict. Following the trial, Ms Croft agreed to 'step down' from her job at a beauty salon in Blackpool after the owner found the controversy surrounding her alleged involvement in the case was harming business. But she stunned friends by telling them she will 'stick by' Wellings and has accepted his 'proposal', vowing to wait for him until his release. One friend told the Daily Mail: 'She keeps telling everyone they don't really know the real Ryan, but she's in complete denial. 'The idea that she would even consider walking down the aisle with someone like him, having heard what was said in court, is quite incredible.' Another former friend of Ms Croft's said that she was 'completely in thrall' to Wellings and 'in denial' about the nature of his personality. 'She's got this fairytale view of him, but it's caused so much bad feeling in Blackpool,' said the friend. 'The owner of the salon where she worked has had enough of the bad publicity and threatening messages, so she asked Emma to step down and she agreed.' In a Facebook post, The Powder Room salon announced in February: 'Please Read. In regards to recent media coverage, we would like to inform our client that Emma Croft no longer works at The Powder Room. 'We ask that others are kind and respectful towards all staff who work hard to make our salon an inviting place and have nothing to do with the situation that has arisen. 'Police are aware of recent media comments and are staying in close contact with the owners of the salon. Thank you.' Daily Mail approached Wellings's mother Ms Green but she denied that her son was engaged to Ms Croft in February. The trial heard how Wellings repeatedly lashed out at Ms Dawes, beating her while she was pregnant with his child, as well as threatening to drown her in a bath, drill her teeth and 'make her look like Katie Piper' by dousing her with acid. He also urged Ms Dawes to kill herself, boasted that 'hitting you is like hitting a man' and, on one occasion, forced her head underwater in a bath and said: 'Say goodbye to your baby'. In one incident just 11 days before Ms Dawes's death, on July 11 2022, he 'launched' her into a radiator with such force it broke the appliance off the wall, then slammed a door in her face - knocking her out and leaving her with blood pouring from her head. She called police at least five times reporting domestic problems with Wellings. While she frequently downplayed her abuse to officers - due to threats from her partner - she did make a statement about the assault on July 11. He was arrested for assault but bailed on condition he did not contact her, which he did. The hairdresser left her nine-month-old daughter with a friend alongside a note before taking her own life on railway tracks, near Garstang, Lancashire, on July 22 2022. The note, found on her phone, said: 'The end. I fought hard, I fought long. I went through pain no one could imagine. 'I was murdered. Ryan Wellings killed me. He ruined every bit of strength I had left. I didn't deserve it. 'I hope my life saves another by police services acting faster. Don't let bullies live free.' Addressing her daughter, she wrote: 'I'm sorry I let you go... I'm so sorry I had to go. 'The world turned their back on me. I was strong. I had dreams. I had a future at one point. That was taken away from me.'
Glasgow Times
28-06-2025
- Glasgow Times
New poster to be displayed in Glasgow as hate crimes soar
The information will be put up at bus stops, the subway and in social housing concierge areas among other places. It comes as hate crimes in the city have increased by 42% compared to the previous year to date, according to police figures. They include offences motivated by prejudice include against someone's race, sexual orientation and religion among other protected characteristics. So far this year, there have been 1,974 hate crimes recorded for 2024 to 2025 up until March this year compared to 1,387 during the previous year over the same period. According to police, the rise is likely due to 'greater public awareness of recent hate crime legislation' and changes in recording – with every allegation within an incident counted separately. READ MORE: Pair pretended to be pilot, lawyer and ex-detective in £550k scam Councillor Elaine McSporran, chair of the Glasgow hate crime working group, said: 'We were looking at a campaign and generic poster that everyone can use – that will go into bus stops, public transport including the subway, housing associations at the concierge. 'It will be everywhere. It is to raise awareness of how people can report a hate crime whether they do it directly through the police, or through a third party or even through a councillor who will direct them to the right people.' Pointing out it will be available very soon, the SNP politician said it is hoped the awareness campaign would encourage more people to have the 'courage' to report their experiences. She told last week's Safe Glasgow Partnership meeting that swift action and 'working in partnership is the only way forward and the only way we can eradicate this kind of behaviour.' Speaking at the meeting, Glasgow Chief Superintendent Emma Croft said the increased offences were mostly related to racial or sexual orientation hate crimes. The Greater Glasgow Divisional Commander added that officers are continuing to work 'diligently to maintain increased detection rates and ensure victims are supported and informed. '
STV News
20-05-2025
- STV News
Police make 20 arrests following 'disorder' at Celtic title celebrations
Twenty people have been arrested after thousands of Celtic fans gathered in Glasgow to celebrate the team lifting the Scottish Premiership trophy. Supporters gathered in the Glasgow Cross and Trongate areas on Saturday despite pleas from Celtic, Glasgow City Council, and Police Scotland. The area was eventually closed to vehicles, with some fans climbing traffic lights and the Mercat Tower. Police confirmed on Tuesday that a total of 20 people have been arrested. In addition, 17 people have been charged and four have been reported in connection with offences including being in possession of pyrotechnics or offensive weapons, assault, and public order. Police previously said six fixed penalty notices and four recorded police warnings were also issued after the 1-1 draw against St Mirren. Glasgow City Council was left with a £73,000 repair bill for the Mercat Cross following celebrations in 2024, with the repairs still to go ahead. Chief superintendent Emma Croft, the divisional commander for the greater Glasgow division, said a 'significant majority' of those in attendance were 'highly intoxicated'. 'While some fans respected the appeal from police and partners to act responsibly, thousands didn't and descended on Glasgow Cross, causing significant disruption to the city,' she said. 'This mass assembly of people also had an impact on some local businesses who took the decision to close early or completely as a consequence. 'A significant majority of those who congregated were highly intoxicated, with evidence of drug misuse requiring medical intervention. A number of people were admitted to local hospitals as a consequence. 'There were numerous incidents of anti-social behaviour, including the reckless discharge of pyrotechnics. Several people scaled the Mercat Tower and other street furniture requiring assistance. 'Officers took decisive action to clear the area and prevent further disorder when it was safe to do so. Thankfully, there were no reports of injuries to officers. 'We will continue to work with partners to achieve a safer and less disruptive way for fans to celebrate safely.' Investigations into the disorder are ongoing. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Daily Record
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Celtic Trongate title party arrest numbers rise to 20 people after fan chaos
Officers have made more arrests after Celtic fans gathered in Glasgow city centre to celebrate their club's league success. A total of 20 people have been arrested after Celtic fans celebrated their team lifting the Scottish Premiership trophy on Saturday. Thousands of Hoops supporters descended on Glasgow's Merchant City and Trongate on Saturday for celebrations after Brendan Rodgers' side were presented with the trophy following a 1-1 draw with St Mirren. Police Scotland confirmed that 20 people have now been arrested in relation to disorder caused in the Glasgow Cross and Trongate areas. Alongside this, 17 people have been charged and four have been reported in connection with offences, including being in possession of pyrotechnics or offensive weapons, assault and public order. The force confirmed that enquiries remain ongoing. The Green Brigade X account North Curve Celtic encouraged fans to attend, posting a graphic on social media: " Trongate Title Party. Saturday 17 May. After Celtic v St. Mirren. Fly the flag." Last year, 19 people were arrested and four officers injured as fans set off flares and fireworks, climbed onto traffic lights and bus stops, and vandalised shop fronts and street furniture. On Sunday, we reported that a significant amount of alcohol and pyrotechnics were also pro-actively seized by officers before, during and after the match and from people at the gathering. Chief Superintendent Emma Croft, Divisional Commander, Greater Glasgow Division, said: 'While some fans respected the appeal from police and partners to act responsibly, thousands didn't and descended on Glasgow Cross causing significant disruption to the city. 'This mass assembly of people also had an impact on some local businesses who took the decision to close early or completely as a consequence. 'A significant majority of those who congregated were highly intoxicated, with evidence of drug misuse requiring medical intervention. A number of people were admitted to local hospitals as a consequence. 'There were numerous incidents of anti-social behaviour including the reckless discharge of pyrotechnics. Several people scaled the Mercat Tower and other street furniture requiring assistance. 'Officers took decisive action to clear the area and prevent further disorder when it was safe to do so. Thankfully there were no reports of injuries to officers. 'We will continue to work with partners to achieve a safer and less disruptive way for fans to celebrate safely.' The arrests came after thousands of fans flooded to the Trongate area despite calls from the club, council and police to stay away on Friday. Videos online showed fights breaking out in the gathering crowds as fans were spotted scaling traffic lights and the famous Mercat Cross, as well as Merchant City signs in the area. Scotland's First Minister John Swinney condemned the actions. He said: "I am very concerned by what I saw over the weekend. I understand football supporters want to celebrate the performance of their team. I don't doubt that, or say I don't understand it. Of course I understand it. "But it shouldn't be at expense of other people. Whether its a supporter, it appears, from the Aberdeen end throwing a chair that injures an Aberdeen player, a quite serious injury from what I can see. "Nor the disruption in the centre of Glasgow, where the city was damaged and disrupted. Lives were disrupted, and there's a lot of cleaning up that's got to fall on the City Council. "I'm all for people celebrating, I quite understand it, but not at the expense of others." Roads were closed and bus shelters taken down in preparation for the huge event, which left the area strewn in rubbish. A spokesperson for Merchant City and Trongate Community Council (MCTCC) said: 'Once more, streets in the centre of Glasgow were taken over by thousands and thousands of Celtic supporters and turned into a No Go area for residents, businesses, and traffic, including emergency services and public transport. 'An historic monument, traffic lights and a subway station roof were climbed upon. Flares and firecrackers were set off. Normal life in and around Glasgow Cross and Trongate was brought to a standstill. 'Several hundred police did their duty at great cost to the public purse. Glasgow City Council cleansing staff faced the massive task of clearing up the mess - yet another expense to taxpayers. 'At the 11th hour, Celtic Football Club issued a statement the previous day asking their fans not to congregate en masse, noting it would be an unauthorised gathering. 'While we are grateful that, at long last, the Club spoke out, at least 15,000 fans ignored the belated appeal. 'It is clear Celtic cannot control its supporters when they take to the streets. We repeat our request, made two years ago, that should there be another such occasion the Club organises - at its cost - its own celebration at Parkhead, the Emirates across the road from the stadium, Glasgow Green or any other venue of its choice. 'This cannot be allowed to happen for a fourth successive year. We shall be reviewing Saturday's events with Glasgow City Council, the police and our Scottish Parliamentary representatives, and will continue to press for urgent actions by all parties involved.' A heated altercation also unfolded in George Square in the city centre on Saturday morning as Hoops fans heading to Celtic Park collided with the Orange Order's VE Day 80th anniversary parade. Footage emerged showing objects being thrown between the crowds. A number of cans and bottles were seen flying through the air after being lobbed in the direction of the Celtic fans. 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