Diary of Woman Allegedly Driven to Suicide by Husband Found with Missing Entries
In a tragic case unfolding at Winchester Crown Court, jurors heard today that a diary written by a woman who was allegedly driven to suicide by her husband was discovered with the final three days of entries missing. Tarryn Baird, aged 34, hanged herself at her home in Swindon, Wiltshire, on November 28, 2017, and her diary was later found by police years after her death.
Allegations of Manipulative Behaviour and Sexual Violence
Her husband, Christopher Trybus, 43, is accused of being responsible for Ms Baird's death, with prosecutors alleging he subjected her to extensive acts of manipulative behaviour and sexual violence. Trybus is currently on trial, facing charges of manslaughter, controlling and coercive behaviour, and two counts of rape in relation to Ms Baird.
Prosecutor Rebecca Fairbairn informed the court that if the dates in the diary were accurate, it appeared the entries for the three days prior to Ms Baird's death had been removed. The diary, a green notebook branded 'Conception', was seized by police in January 2023. Ms Fairbairn stated, 'If the author had continued writing about her daily actions, it would seem the three days before Tarryn's death had been removed.'
Testimonies from Cleaner and Childhood Friend
The trial also featured testimony from Alice Wagacebu, a cleaner who worked for the couple from 2016 until Ms Baird's death in 2017. Ms Wagacebu told jurors that Ms Baird often spoke about wanting a baby and was generally optimistic, but she was unaware of any significant problems between the couple. However, she did recall seeing a bruise on Ms Baird's face once, which Ms Baird dismissed with a smile when asked if it was from the gym.
Earlier in the proceedings, the court heard from Carina Silva, Ms Baird's childhood friend. Ms Silva testified that she repeatedly offered her home as a safe haven for Ms Baird after learning she was being beaten and raped, but Ms Baird always declined. Ms Silva expressed fear for Ms Baird's life, describing Trybus as 'strange and bizarre' and recounting an incident where Ms Baird claimed Trybus strangled her with a belt during a rape.
Defence Questions and Contradictions
For the defence, Katy Thorne questioned Ms Silva about her perceptions and statements to police. Ms Silva acknowledged that in a 2021 statement, she mentioned Ms Baird had family difficulties and periods of withdrawal, but she stood by her description of Trybus as outwardly doting on Ms Baird while privately abusive. She also clarified that she did not initially report the rape allegations to police due to uncertainty, as Ms Baird would sometimes retract her claims.
Ms Thorne highlighted inconsistencies, such as Ms Silva's earlier statement that Ms Baird introduced a belt for sex, which Ms Silva later disputed, citing possible miscommunication during her statement recording. The court also heard that Trybus's mother moved in with the couple in 2015, leading to arguments about financial demands in 2017.
The trial continues, shedding light on the complex dynamics of the relationship and the circumstances leading to Ms Baird's death.
