A husband accused of driving his wife to suicide through rape and coercive control has told a court she fabricated the allegations because of her 'boring life', insisting he never harmed her and 'loved her very much'. Christopher Trybus, 43, is on trial at Winchester Crown Court charged with the manslaughter of his wife, Tarryn Baird, who died aged 34 after hanging herself in November 2017.
Denial of All Charges in Emotional Testimony
Trybus also faces charges of controlling and coercive behaviour and two counts of rape, with prosecutors alleging he subjected Ms Baird to systematic violence, sexual assault, financial control and isolation from her family. Giving evidence in his defence, Trybus categorically denied ever abusing or controlling his wife during their marriage.
When questioned by his barrister Katy Thorne KC about whether he had been 'viciously violent', committed rape or attempted to control his spouse, he responded firmly: 'No, absolutely not.' Asked directly if he loved her, he replied: 'Yes very much.'
Describing the Devastation of Loss
Speaking about his wife's death, Trybus told jurors: 'At the time, still, extremely sad, devastated, you can't even describe it, it's nothing you can prepare for. It's absolutely heartbreaking and devastating, the worse thing I have ever had to deal with in my life by far.'
Addressing the specific allegations against him, he expressed confusion and mixed emotions: 'It's such a conflict for me, you know, I loved her so much and we had a happy marriage, I would never dream she would say these things. It's so strange for me that she is saying these things and at the same time it's landed me in all of this.'
Background of the Couple's Relationship
The court heard the couple originally met at school in South Africa and later relocated to England. Trybus described growing up in Johannesburg and provided character testimony about his late wife from their younger years.
'She was not super popular but she wasn't unpopular,' he recalled. 'She was very sporting, doing tennis, hockey, cricket, that sort of thing. She was well-liked, funny, never nasty about anybody, it's a long time ago but for me she was just a nice girl.'
Traumatic Events and Medical History
Trybus revealed that both he and his wife had experienced traumatic incidents in South Africa that contributed to their decision to emigrate. He had been victim of a car-jacking in 2006, while Ms Baird had witnessed a shooting incident.
The defendant also disclosed that he only learned later about Ms Baird having taken an overdose while they were still living in South Africa, suggesting this might have been relevant to her mental state.
Current Proceedings and Defence Position
Trybus, who works as a software consultant, maintains his innocence on all charges. He described his wife as 'a very nice, middle-of-the-road girl, lady' who 'wasn't outgoing' but could socialise comfortably. The trial continues at Winchester Crown Court as prosecutors present their case alleging systematic abuse that they claim ultimately drove Tarryn Baird to take her own life.
