A husband has been accused in court of driving his wife to suicide through a prolonged campaign of physical and sexual violence, coercive control, and psychological manipulation. Christopher Trybus, aged 43 and from Swindon, is charged with the manslaughter of Tarryn Baird, who died by hanging in November 2017 at the age of 34.
Charges of Coercive Control and Rape
At Winchester Crown Court, Trybus also faces allegations of controlling and coercive behaviour, along with two counts of rape. The coercive control charge specifies that he controlled Ms Baird by using and threatening violence, as well as sexually assaulting her. Prosecutors assert that he monitored her movements, restricted her access to finances, threatened to disclose private information to her family, and systematically isolated her from loved ones.
Prosecution Details the Alleged Abuse
Prosecutor Tom Little informed the jury that Trybus engaged in extensive and escalating controlling, coercive, and manipulative behaviour, which included sexual violence such as two rapes and other sexual assaults. He emphasised that this abuse occurred over a sustained period of time behind closed doors throughout their marriage, ultimately leading to Ms Baird's tragic decision to take her own life.
Mr Little explained that Trybus dominated many aspects of their relationship, even while travelling abroad, using the threat and fear of physical and sexual violence. This, he argued, deteriorated her already fragile mental state and was a direct cause of her suicide. She did so in their own home, he noted, adding that despite considering escape on multiple occasions, she felt constricted by his control and feared the consequences of leaving.
Heartbreaking Suicide Note Revealed
Ms Baird, who worked at an opticians, left a poignant note expressing her despair. It read: To my family, I am so sorry but I just couldn't take it any more. I know you may not understand this but I just can't explain the dark cloud that is over me. Please don't let this break you but know I am now free. Nothing any of you could have done could have changed this, please just know that. I love you and please forgive me.
Background of the Couple
Both originally from South Africa, the couple moved to the UK in 2007 and married in 2009. In 2015, Trybus's mother moved in with them, which prosecutors say exacerbated tensions at home. Trybus ran a financially successful software business that required overseas travel, while Ms Baird worked from home handling administration and accounts for his company.
Medical Concerns and Injuries
The court heard that Ms Baird's GP, Dr Tessa Jones, reported her patient experiencing cardiac concerns and fainting episodes between September 2015 and June 2016, with no identifiable cardiac or neurological causes. Dr Jones also observed physical injuries on Ms Baird on multiple occasions from January to July 2016, which Ms Baird attributed to fainting or falls during home exercises.
Christopher Trybus, a software consultant and developer, denies all charges, and the trial is ongoing as the legal proceedings continue to unfold.
