Partner was not the reason Kiena Dawes took own life, court told

Miss Dawes first met Mr Wellings in January 2020 and was “swept off her feet”, her mother had told the court.

He had her name and face tattooed on his body within a week and proposed marriage within three months.

But Miss Dawes told a friend their relationship was a “fairy tale (that had) turned into a nightmare,” claiming regular violence from Mr Wellings and threats, including using a drill on her teeth and acid to disfigure her.

After the medical evidence was read, the case for the defence closed and Judge Robert Altham, the Recorder of Preston, told jurors no more evidence would be called.

He told jurors that next week they will hear legal directions from himself, closing speeches by lawyers and will go out to consider their verdicts on Wednesday or Thursday.

The trial continues on Monday.