Husband in Court Claims Breaking Bad Inspired Acid Body Dissolution Conversation
A husband accused of driving his wife to suicide has claimed that a conversation about dissolving a body in acid was inspired by the television series Breaking Bad. Christopher Trybus, aged 44 and from Swindon in Wiltshire, is currently facing a manslaughter charge related to the death of Tarryn Baird, who died by hanging in November 2017 at the age of 34.
In addition to manslaughter, Trybus is charged with controlling and coercive behaviour and two counts of rape at Winchester Crown Court. The prosecution alleges that he controlled Ms Baird through various means, including using and threatening violence, sexually assaulting her, monitoring her movements, restricting her access to finances, threatening to disclose private information to her family, and isolating her from others.
Defendant Insists Comments Were Not Serious Threats
During questioning by prosecutor Tom Little KC, Trybus responded to claims that he discussed snapping Ms Baird's neck, cutting up her body, and dissolving it in acid. He insisted that these remarks were not serious and were not directed at Ms Baird. Trybus told the court that the context of the conversation was a murder mystery show, possibly Breaking Bad.
He explained, 'Somebody might say 'How would you rob a bank' after watching a TV show, if you were a getaway driver what car would you choose. It was just a conversation, no way was it serious or threats, just something we chatted about. This conversation wasn't about her, it sounds awful now, it was about how we got rid of a body.'
Trybus added, 'We did watch Breaking Bad and I think there was a scene where they dissolve a body. It happened on Breaking Bad, it's not something I would seriously consider or think about seriously.' When asked if he thought it was normal to discuss committing serious criminal offences, he responded that such conversations could arise from watching TV or movies without being serious.
Wedding Ring Removal and Internet Searches Discussed
At the hearing, Trybus also addressed why he removed his wedding ring shortly after Ms Baird's death. He stated that he did not want 'this constant reminder of her' and noted that people who have not experienced a similar loss might find it difficult to understand. He mentioned that both he and Ms Baird often did not wear their rings at home, so this was not unusual for them.
Mr Little presented evidence that in 2016, Ms Baird conducted internet searches for terms such as 'strangulation and domestic violence', 'strangulation wet myself', and 'urinating when strangled'. Trybus denied ever strangling her and suggested that these searches might be related to a course on domestic violence she was studying, though he could not confirm this. He also stated that she never wet herself in his presence.
Bruising Evidence and Trial Continuation
Regarding bruising noted in a post-mortem report, Trybus did not dispute seeing the report but claimed he could not remember reviewing it before giving evidence to police. He said, 'If I had seen it, I didn't pay a lot of attention to the bruising. I may have skimmed past it and thought these are normal knocks and bruises one may have.'
Christopher Trybus, who works as a software consultant and developer, denies all charges against him. The trial is ongoing at Winchester Crown Court.
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