Swindon man cleared of manslaughter over death of wife who took her own life
Tarryn Baird in November 2017 at the age of 34
Last updated 16 hours ago
A man from Swindon has been found not guilty of manslaughter following the death of his wife who took her own life.
Christopher Trybus, of Swindon, Wiltshire, was cleared by a jury at Winchester Crown Court of causing the death of 34-year-old Tarryn Baird, who died of hanging in November 2017.
Trybus was also acquitted of two charges of rape against her and a count of controlling and coercive behaviour.
The jury, comprised of seven women and five men, announced their verdicts after deliberating for 40 hours and eight minutes.
In a tense courtroom, Mr Trybus, wearing a grey suit, a blue shirt, and a dark tie, looked up at the ceiling and burst into tears as he heard the outcome.
Cries of relief were also heard from the public gallery.
Outside court, Mr Trybus embraced his current wife, Bea, who he married in August 2024, both shedding tears at the verdict.
Mr Trybus was accused by the prosecution of controlling Ms Baird through threats of violence, sexual assaulting her, monitoring her movements, restricting her financial access, threats to disclose private information to her family, and creating isolation from her family.
Further allegations included using a belt to choke Ms Baird and strangling her during sex, causing her to pass out.
During his evidence, Mr Trybus testified that his work in the IT industry required frequent travel abroad, resulting in his absence during several alleged incidents.
He also said he believed his wife had mental health issues due to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The judge, Mr Justice Linden, thanked the jurors for their service and told them: “It was a difficult and sad case and the stakes were high for the families involved so we understand your task has not been an easy one and no-one should underestimate your role in these proceedings.”
Throughout the trial, the court heard that Ms Baird was diagnosed with PTSD, likely stemming from her exposure to violent car-jackings while living in South Africa, where both she and Mr Trybus were raised.
The couple relocated to the UK in 2007 and married in 2009.
An attempted burglary in 2015 is believed to have exacerbated Ms Baird's mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, leading her to seek help from professionals at that time.
Mr Trybus expressed a mix of emotions regarding the allegations, stating, "I loved her dearly and she has gone and said all of these things."
He added, "At no point has this ever happened; it's such a mix of emotions, I am upset that she said these things but she is not here so I can't be upset with her, it's not something I can put into words."
In his defence, Mr Trybus denied causing Ms Baird's injuries and contended that any injury to her neck might have been due to a "fluffy" bondage collar she had worn on one occasion while they had what was described in court as “kinky” sex.
He explained that he had purchased a kit from Amazon that included cuffs, rope, a neck collar with leash, a ball gag, a whip, and a blindfold.
The court was played an audio clip from Ms Baird's phone, during which she could be heard gasping and grunting which the prosecution alleged was evidence of Mr Trybus attacking her during sex but which the defendant said was just the way they had sex and did not believe she was in pain.
Speaking outside court and accompanied by his wife, Mr Trybus said: “After three police investigations over the course of 10 years, I’m relieved that the jury has carefully considered the evidence and reached the correct verdict today.
“I want to thank my wife, my family, and my friends for their unwavering support – and my legal team for their hard work and dedication throughout the process.
“This has had a profound impact on my life and on those closest to me. It’s been an incredibly difficult experience.
“I would also like to acknowledge that domestic abuse is a very real and serious issue, and victims must always be supported.
“Right now, I’ll focus on moving forward and rebuilding my life with my family.”
When he was asked if he had a message for Ms Baird’s family, he replied: “No.”
Assistant Chief Constable Liz Coles from Wiltshire Police has said:
"Our thoughts are with Tarryn Baird’s family and friends at this time.
"Wiltshire Police investigated the circumstances surrounding Tarryn’s death in November 2017.
"As part of our enquiries, we made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to our previous contact with Tarryn.
"The IOPC conducted an independent investigation which concluded in 2019 and found Wiltshire Police had no case to answer.
"The same year, the criminal investigation, then being undertaken by the Major Crime Investigation Team, concluded that no further action was to be taken with regards to Christopher Trybus.
"In 2020, evidence was identified which led to the criminal case being re-opened.
"Following a review, Assistant Chief Constable Mark Cooper (now Deputy Chief Constable), requested an independent police force take over the criminal investigation in 2021.
"Dorset Police agreed to do this in December 2021 and subsequently, the Crown Prosecution Service authorised charging Christopher Trybus with manslaughter, two counts of rape and engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour.
"Wiltshire Police subsequently made a second referral into the IOPC regarding this case.
"As an independent investigation by the IOPC is ongoing, it would not be appropriate for us to comment further at this time."