A MAN has appeared in court charged with manslaughter after his ex-girlfriend was found dead on a railway line.
Kiena Dawes, 23, was reported missing after she left her baby daughter with a close friend on July 22 last year.
Ben LackKiena Dawes was found dead five hours after she vanished[/caption]
Ian LeonardHer ex appeared in court today charged with manslaughter[/caption]
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.
Her ex Ryan Wellings appeared at Preston Crown Court today charged with manslaughter, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The 30-year-old spoke only to confirm his name during the brief hearing.
He previously entered not guilty pleas to all three charges and is due to face trial on November 25.
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.
Kiena had classified as a high-risk missing personFacebook
SWNSShe had left her baby with a close friend before vanishing[/caption]
SWNSKiena was discovered dead around five hours later[/caption]
The mum’s family have paid tributeFacebook
Ian LeonardWellings is due to stand trial in November[/caption]