Husband Accused of Driving Wife to Suicide Viewed Her as 'Trophy', Court Hears
A husband accused of killing his wife by driving her to suicide viewed her only as a 'trophy' and stopped wearing his wedding ring just two weeks after she hanged herself, her mother told a court today. Christopher Trybus, 43, is charged with manslaughter, controlling and coercive behaviour, and two counts of rape in relation to his wife Tarryn Baird, who died aged 34 at their home in Swindon, Wiltshire.
Mother's Emotional Testimony
Ms Baird's emotional mother, Michelle Baird, testified at Winchester Crown Court in Hampshire, stating she believes her daughter was trying to 'warn' her about the alleged abuse she suffered at Trybus's hands. Prosecutors allege Trybus subjected Ms Baird to extensive acts of manipulative behaviour and sexual violence, so serious that he is charged with her manslaughter on November 28, 2017.
Michelle described how Trybus lived with her and her husband for six months after Ms Baird's death, and she found his wedding ring on a bedside table just two weeks post-tragedy. 'It was horrendous to hear,' she said, rejecting defence suggestions that family conversations were about trivial matters like the TV show Breaking Bad.
Allegations of Abuse and Control
The court heard disturbing details, including that Trybus allegedly threatened to 'snap her neck' and then 'dissolve her body in acid so no-one would find her.' Michelle testified that between August and September 2017, Ms Baird became concerned about police involvement, as Trybus needed a clear record for his work.
In late August, Ms Baird asked her family if she should leave Trybus, surprising her mother. Michelle recounted, 'She actually said to me that one of her counsellors had mentioned that Christopher was besotted with her for many years, and now that they are married, she's now his trophy.' Michelle assured her daughter she would support whatever decision she made.
Events Leading to Tragedy
Trybus and Ms Baird moved to the UK in 2007 and married in 2009. The court heard that in September 2017, after a suicide attempt, Ms Baird's parents suggested a private mental health facility costing £6,000 per week, which they believed the couple could afford. Michelle said Trybus dismissed it as too expensive and not the right fit.
When the idea of removing alcohol from the home was raised to help Ms Baird, Michelle testified Trybus seemed 'not bothered' and 'didn't care.' She tearfully recalled her daughter saying two weeks before her death that she wouldn't buy Christmas presents, which was very unusual for her.
Further Disturbing Details
Michelle also told the court that Ms Baird once appeared 'panicked' when she realised she wouldn't be home in time to make her husband lunch. On the day she died, Ms Baird sounded 'upset' during a phone call, arguing with Trybus about difficulties paying his brother, who worked for his software business.
After Ms Baird's death, when the family cleared out the couple's home, Michelle found handcuffs and a debugging device in their bedside table, which Trybus disposed of in a rubbish bag. Ms Baird had worked from home for Trybus's company, handling administration and accounts.
Trybus is additionally charged with controlling and coercive behaviour between December 2015 and November 2017. The trial continues as the court examines these grave allegations in detail.
