Pictured: Man charged with manslaughter and coercion after 23-year-old mother found dead on train tracks

A photo shows a man appearing in court on charges of manslaughter, controlling and coercive behavior, and assault.

Ryan Wellings, 30, appeared at Preston Crown Court for a pre-trial hearing on Friday and confirmed only his name through his words.

Wellings, of Bispham, Lancashire, who denies all charges against him, was remanded in custody and is due to appear in court on 25 November.

Previously, on July 22, 2022, a mother was found dead on railway tracks near Barnacre in Lancashire.

Kiena Dawes, 23, disappeared from her home in Fleetwood, Lancashire, on July 22, 2022. Relatives raised the alarm after the mother-of-one left her nine-month-old daughter with a close friend and did not return.

Ryan Wellings, 30, appeared at a pre-trial hearing at Preston Crown Court on Friday and confirmed only his name.

Wellings, of Bispham, Lancashire, who denies all charges against him, was remanded in custody and is due to appear in court on November 25.

Police classified her as a “high risk” missing person and launched a search for her after she disappeared, but five hours later she was found dead on a railway embankment in Barnacre, near Garstang in Lancashire.

After the tragedy, her 29-year-old brother Kynan praised her as a “vibrant” and “amazing young girl” who only wanted a “happy life”.

He said: “My sister left a message on her phone before she committed suicide. The reasons for her suicide are mentioned in that message. In time, this may become known, but not now.

“The girl was very, very popular. She never said a bad word about anyone. She just wanted to live a happy little life.”

Kiena Dawes (pictured), 23, went missing from her home in Fleetwood, Lancashire, on July 22, 2022

Relatives raised the alarm after the mother of one child left her nine-month-old daughter with a close friend and did not return

Kynan vowed to give up his job to raise his sister's young daughter – while a GoFund-Me page to support the couple and cover Kiena's funeral costs raised almost £10,000, surpassing its £2,500 target.

Matthew Sanderson, who started the fundraiser, wrote on the page: “This is Marnie and her mum. Marnie is only 9 months old and recently lost her mum to a tragic suicide.”

“Marnie is now being cared for by her Uncle Kynan. Kynan has promised to be there for Marnie through good times and bad as he struggles to cope with the loss of his sister in such tragic circumstances.

“Kynan has also had to give up his job as a construction worker to care for Marnie, which has already had a significant impact on Kynan's finances. We are asking people not to leave Kynan alone.

Police classified her as a high-risk missing person and launched a search for her after she went missing, but she was found dead on a railway track in Barnacre, near Garstang, Lancashire, five hours later.

After the tragedy, her brother Kynan, 29, praised her as a “vibrant” and “amazing young girl” who only wanted a “happy life” (Pictured: Kiena with her daughter)

“Please support Kynan so he can raise a deposit to rent a house, buy some essentials for Marnie and pay for his sister's funeral. Any surplus funds will be held in trust for Marnie once she turns 18.

“Thank you again and thank you for your support. It's okay to not be okay! Please talk to someone and don't suffer in silence.”

On Facebook, Kynan wrote: “We love you more than words can ever express! I will miss you more than you could ever imagine. You didn't deserve this! And everyone will remember you. I will make sure your little girl is safe and grows up knowing how perfect you really were.”

For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit