A husband on trial for allegedly causing his wife's suicide after a campaign of domestic violence, including strangulation, has claimed her neck injuries were caused by a 'fluffy' BDSM collar used during consensual sexual activity. Christopher Trybus, 43, is accused of being responsible for Tarryn Baird's death, with prosecutors alleging he subjected her to extensive manipulative behaviour and sexual violence.
Trial Details and Charges
Ms Baird, aged 34, took her own life at their home in Swindon, Wiltshire, on November 28, 2017. Trybus faces charges of manslaughter, controlling and coercive behaviour, and two counts of rape in relation to Ms Baird. If convicted, he could become the first person in legal history to be held responsible for another individual's suicide under these circumstances.
Defence Claims Regarding the Collar
During the trial at Winchester Crown Court in Hampshire, Trybus was recalled to the witness box to present a 'soft-lined' leather collar he claims was used in the bedroom with Ms Baird. He argued that the buckle on this otherwise 'fluffy' collar could have caused 'pinching' or 'scratching', potentially explaining photographs of Ms Baird with superficial injuries from the period when he is alleged to have abused her.
Trybus admitted the injuries in the photos look 'more like bruising' but maintained all sexual activity was consensual and any injuries occurred inadvertently from the collar. He stated, 'I've never hidden behind the fact that the collar had caused the injury, I've been clear from day one that we had this collar and used it in consensual sex and it might have caused the injuries.'
Prosecution's Counterarguments
Prosecutor Tom Little strongly contested Trybus's version of events, asserting that the collar was never actually used by the couple and that the injuries were inflicted by Trybus himself through strangulation. Little argued, 'The reality I suggest is that you never used this Mr Trybus. The reality is she never used that collar because you strangled her on multiple occasions in September 2016.'
During the court proceedings, Trybus's hands trembled as he held up the collar, demonstrating how different parts could have caused various injuries. The bondage device was passed around the jury bench for individual examination. Trybus claimed it could have led to 'scratching and pinching' but insisted its set tightness meant it 'wouldn't have choked her as such'.
Background and Context
Trybus explained that the collar was purchased and delivered just a few days before its first and only use in September 2016. He detailed, 'There's a collar and a belt buckle thing. It's soft-lined but has a buckle. I can't be 100 per cent certain but it could be that it pinched the skin as it overlapped or it could be that the buckle scratched or pinched the skin.'
However, the prosecution highlighted inconsistencies, noting that Trybus did not mention the collar earlier in the trial and that Ms Baird never complained of pain or soreness afterwards. Little pointed out, 'So you're now saying there were some abrasions, there were some cuts. But you tell us she never yelped out in pain, never complained at the time or complained afterwards.'
The trial continues as the jury deliberates on the evidence presented, with the case drawing significant attention due to its potential legal precedent in holding individuals accountable for suicides linked to domestic abuse.
