Businessman Accused of Driving Wife to Suicide with Threats and Abuse
A businessman allegedly drove his wife to suicide after subjecting her to rape, manipulation, and coercive control, a court was told today. Christopher Trybus, 43, is accused of the manslaughter of Tarryn Baird, who took her own life at age 34 in November 2017. The trial at Winchester Crown Court in Hampshire also includes charges of two counts of rape and controlling and coercive behaviour.
Chilling Threats Revealed in Court
Jurors heard that Trybus allegedly threatened to snap his wife's neck and then dissolve her body in acid so no one would find her. Prosecutors stated he even detailed these threats to his mother-in-law, bragging about how easy it would be to carry out and hide evidence. The court was told that Ms Baird, in a conversation with her mother Michelle two weeks before her death, recounted Trybus saying he would cut up her body and use acid to ensure she was never discovered.
Pattern of Abuse and Isolation
Ms Baird, who worked at an opticians and later from home for Trybus's software business, was allegedly monitored in her whereabouts, controlled financially, and isolated from her family before her death at their home in Swindon, Wiltshire. She left a suicide note that read: To my family, I am so sorry but I just couldn't take it any more. The trial heard she began abusing alcohol in the lead-up to her suicide, drinking around one bottle of wine or champagne per day to give herself courage, with her family expressing concern over her excessive consumption.
Expert Psychiatric Testimony
Dr Nicholas Kennedy, an expert consultant psychiatrist who never met Ms Baird, gave evidence that her drinking was harmful to her mental health and likely contributed to her suicide. He stated that Trybus's treatment exacerbated her PTSD and anxiety symptoms, which originated from witnessing an attack in South Africa. Dr Kennedy noted that the domestic violence was a significant contributing factor to her suicide, making her more vulnerable to distress and reinforcing her alcohol use.
Details of Alcohol Abuse and Mental Health
The court heard that Ms Baird's alcohol intake increased from a couple of bottles of wine a week to a bottle every night by 2016. On one occasion, she was found with a rope in her garage after drinking half a bottle of whiskey. Dr Kennedy described her alcohol use as harmful and possibly dependent, affecting her mood and decision-making. He emphasised that while her PTSD made her more susceptible to trauma, it did not impair her ability to disclose information or stay in touch with reality.
Ongoing Trial and Denials
Trybus, who appeared in court in a grey suit showing little emotion during the testimony, denies all allegations. The trial continues, with further evidence expected to be presented. For confidential support, individuals can call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org, or access thecalmzone.net/get-support.
