Swindon Man Faces Manslaughter and Rape Charges in Wife's Death Case
A man from Swindon, accused of subjecting his wife to a prolonged campaign of physical and sexual violence, has told a court that learning of her death by hanging was the most devastating moment of his life. Christopher Trybus, 43, is charged with the manslaughter of his wife, Tarryn Baird, as well as two counts of rape and coercive and controlling behaviour. He has entered a plea of not guilty to all charges.
Trial Details and Emotional Testimony
At Winchester Crown Court, the jury heard that Tarryn Baird, aged 34, was discovered deceased at her residence in Swindon, Wiltshire, on November 28, 2017. Trybus, who was on a business trip in Stuttgart, Germany, at the time, recounted receiving the tragic news. He described being in a state of profound shock and immediately booking a flight back to the United Kingdom.
During his journey to the airport, Trybus broke down in tears, emphasising the overwhelming nature of the situation. He stated, "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."
Allegations and Evidence Presented in Court
The prosecution presented an audio recording allegedly made by Baird, which purportedly captured an assault by Trybus during a sexual encounter. In response, Trybus argued that the sounds were merely "bumps and thumps," possibly from a door moving, and denied any assault or restraint. He maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings.
Prosecutor Tom Little KC questioned Trybus about Baird's accusations, which included 25 instances of assault or sexual assault. When asked if he was angry about being labelled a "wife-beater," Trybus replied, "It's difficult to be angry with someone who is dead." Little pressed further, suggesting that if Trybus's account were accurate, Baird would have been consistently lying. Trybus responded, "I don't know the reasons for that and me being angry won't change any of that."
Controversial Evidence and Diary Entries
The court also examined the timing of Trybus acquiring a new mobile phone on the same day Baird was interviewed by police regarding abuse allegations. Messages from his previous device, including communications with Baird, were lost in the transition. Prosecutor Little implied this was an attempt to destroy evidence of domestic abuse, a claim Trybus firmly denied.
Additionally, Baird's diary was introduced as evidence, containing entries that detailed their intimate life and her efforts to secure a place in a women's refuge. One entry read, "One night, during sex, I felt his hands around my neck. Something was unleashed that night. Progressively, sex got rougher. The more I fight back, the more he enjoys it." Baird noted this revealed a previously hidden aspect of her husband. When questioned about this, Trybus remarked, "There was a lot of strange things she wrote in her diary."
Ongoing Trial and Background Information
Christopher Trybus, who works as a software consultant and developer, continues to deny all charges as the trial progresses. The case has drawn significant attention due to the serious nature of the allegations and the emotional testimony presented. In related news, support services for those in crisis are available, including Samaritans in the UK and Ireland, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US, and Lifeline in Australia.
