Man to stand trial charged with manslaughter of mum found dead on railway line after being reported missing
A MAN is facing trial for manslaughter after a mum was found dead on railway tracks.
Kiena Dawes, 23, was reported missing after she left her baby daughter with a close friend on July 22 last year.
She was classified as a high-risk missing person over previous concerns about her safety.
Tragically, Kiena’s body was discovered on a railway line in Lancashire around give hours later.
Ryan Wellings appeared at Preston Crown Court charged with manslaughter, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The 30-year-old entered not guilty pleas to all three charges and is due to face trial on November 25.
Wellings is also charged with sending malicious communications and will appear at Preston Magistrates’ Court for that count on July 17.
An urgent search was launched for Kiena when she allegedly sent a pal a message that read: “I hope my life saves another by police services acting faster.”
Despite officers being handed the registration plate of her white BMW, her body was discovered hours later.
Lancashire Police, whose handling of the Nicola Bulley case was widely criticised, has referred themselves to the police watchdog.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct launched a probe into whether officers acted quickly enough following concerns for Kiena’s safety.
It previously announced one officer would face gross misconduct proceedings, with two others accused of misconduct.
Following Kiena’s death, her brother Kynan paid tribute to the “amazing young girl” who just wanted a “happy life”.
He also slammed Lancashire Police, saying: “They let down Kiena in life — and failed her in her last moments.”
The force said it could not issue further updates until the criminal investigation has ended.