Man Accused of Wife's Manslaughter Describes Her Death as 'Worst Day' of His Life
A man facing charges for allegedly causing his wife to take her own life through abuse and controlling behaviour has told a jury that discovering her death was 'the worst day' of his life. Christopher Trybus, 44, is on trial at Winchester Crown Court for the manslaughter of 34-year-old Tarryn Baird, who died by hanging in November 2017.
Charges and Allegations
Trybus, a software consultant from Swindon in Wiltshire, also faces additional serious charges of coercive and controlling behaviour toward Ms Baird, along with two counts of rape. The coercive control charge alleges that Trybus subjected his wife to a pattern of manipulative and violent conduct.
Specific allegations include:
- Threatening and using violence against her
- Sexually assaulting her
- Monitoring her location and movements
- Limiting her access to finances
- Isolating her from family and friends
- Threatening to reveal private information to her family
Trybus's Emotional Testimony
During his testimony, Trybus described being in Germany when he received the call about his wife's death. He told the court he 'broke down' in tears while driving to the airport to return home.
'Halfway down the drive, I broke down and cried,' Trybus testified. 'I got to the airport, dumped the car, asked them to put me at the front of the plane because I wanted to get out as soon as possible. It's not something anyone can prepare themselves for, it's a cliche but you never think it's going to happen to you. So, worst day of my life, just absolutely terrible, I don't know how else to describe it.'
Background of the Relationship
Ms Baird died by suicide on November 28, 2017, at the couple's home in Swindon. The court heard that Trybus and Ms Baird, both originally from South Africa, moved to the UK in 2008 and married in 2009.
The jury was informed that Ms Baird had a history of mental illness, including a potential diagnosis of PTSD following 'traumatic' carjacking incidents in South Africa. However, Trybus claimed his wife's mental state had appeared to improve in the weeks before her death, particularly after she began volunteering for court witness support.
'Mostly back to her normal self, she seemed to bounce back and be on the mend,' Trybus said. 'I felt like things were starting to improve.'
Denials and Further Allegations
When questioned about his frequent work trips abroad in the months preceding Ms Baird's death, Trybus expressed regret. 'I wish I could have done more, possibly I could have stayed home, I could have taken some time off of work but when you are in it, you do not see it, you just think it will never happen.'
Prompted by his barrister Katy Thorne KC about whether he was a 'violent and domineering man,' Trybus replied: 'No, I do not think so.' When asked if he bore responsibility for Ms Baird's death, he answered unequivocally: 'No, not at all.'
Trybus denies all charges of rape, sexual assault, violence, and controlling behaviour toward Ms Baird.
Disturbing Details Emerge in Court
The trial has heard disturbing allegations about Trybus's behaviour, including claims that he threatened to 'snap' Ms Baird's neck and then 'dissolve her body in acid so no-one would find her.' Testimony also suggested Trybus viewed his wife merely as a 'trophy' and that he stopped wearing his wedding ring just two weeks before her death.
Family Concerns and Warnings
Ms Baird's mother, Michelle Baird, testified that she believes her daughter had tried to 'warn' her about the alleged abuse she was suffering. In August 2017, just months before her death, Ms Baird gathered her mother, father, and brother to ask 'if she should leave Christopher.'
'I actually asked Tarryn where it was coming from because I didn't quite understand,' Michelle Baird told the court. 'She actually said to me that one of her counsellors had mentioned to her that Christopher was besotted with her for many many years, and now that they are married, she's now his trophy. I actually said to Tarryn, whatever her decision, I will support her.'
The trial continues as the jury considers the evidence in this complex and tragic case.
