Court Hears How Abuse Victim Declined Safe Haven Offers Before Tragic Suicide
Winchester Crown Court has heard that a woman, who was allegedly driven to suicide by her abusive husband, repeatedly turned down opportunities to escape to a friend's home offered as a 'safe haven'. Tarryn Baird's childhood friend, Carina Silva, testified that she 'kept offering' her home as a safehouse for Ms Baird after learning she was being beaten and raped, but Ms Baird always refused.
Friend's Testimony Reveals Fear and Confusion
Ms Silva told jurors she feared Ms Baird's life was in danger from her husband, Christopher Trybus, whom she described as 'strange and bizarre'. Trybus, 43, is accused of manslaughter, controlling and coercive behaviour, and two counts of rape in relation to Ms Baird's death. The court heard that Ms Baird hanged herself at age 34 at their home in Swindon, Wiltshire, on November 28, 2017.
Prosecutors allege Trybus subjected Ms Baird to 'extensive' acts of manipulative behaviour and sexual violence, leading to her suicide. Ms Silva testified that Ms Baird was 'scared' of her husband and recounted one incident where he strangled her with a belt during a rape.
Defence Questions and Contradictions
For the defence, Katy Thorne questioned Ms Silva about whether she ever believed Ms Baird's life was in danger. Ms Silva responded, 'There were times, and that's why I kept offering my house as a safe haven.' She added that she didn't know if it was her place to 'physically remove' Ms Baird from the situation.
In a 2021 police statement, Ms Silva noted that Ms Baird had childhood family difficulties and experienced periods of withdrawal, which she called 'slumps'. Regarding Ms Baird's relationship with Trybus, the statement described Ms Baird as appearing in control, with Trybus doting on her. However, Ms Silva clarified in court that she stood by this statement but found Trybus 'very strange and bizarre', noting a disconnect between his outward niceness and Ms Baird's accounts of abuse.
Conflicting Accounts and Police Statements
Ms Thorne highlighted that Ms Silva's 2021 statement mentioned Ms Baird had 'introduced' a belt 'for sex' with Trybus. Ms Silva told the court she didn't recall saying this, suggesting she might have missed the wording due to being a busy, full-time mother at the time.
Ms Silva also explained why she initially didn't tell police about the rape accusations, stating she was uncertain because Ms Baird would report abuse, show bruises, and then retract her statements. She said, 'I didn't want to put something in where I didn't know the facts.' When asked why she didn't report the hitting incidents, Ms Silva responded, 'Why would I think her safety was in harm if she hadn't told me something? There's a bigger picture to it.'
Additional Context and Trial Details
The court previously heard that Trybus's mother moved in with the couple for a few months in 2015. Ms Silva testified that the couple argued about his mother in February 2017, with Ms Baird reporting that the mother arrived unannounced and immediately asked for money.
The trial continues, shedding light on the complex dynamics of domestic abuse and the tragic outcome. For confidential support, individuals can call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org, or access www.thecalmzone.net/get-support.
