Manslaughter Trial Commences for Businessman Accused in Wife's Suicide
The manslaughter trial of businessman Christopher Trybus has begun this week, marking eight years since his wife, Tarryn Baird, was found hanged in the garage of their luxury home in Swindon, Wiltshire. Trybus, a 43-year-old wealthy IT consultant, faces allegations that he killed Baird through a sustained campaign of beatings, rapes, and coercive control, which prosecutors claim drove her to take her own life.
Prosecution Outlines Case of 'Tsunami' of Abuse
Yesterday, at Winchester Crown Court, the Crown's most senior prosecuting barrister, Tom Little KC, presented the case against Trybus. Little described how Trybus subjected his wife to a 'tsunami' of domestic abuse, alleging that this relentless pattern of violence and manipulation ultimately led to Baird's suicide in November 2017. The prosecution argues that Trybus's actions constituted manslaughter by causing her death through psychological and physical torment.
Defense Claims and Podcast Coverage
In a dramatic twist, Trybus's barrister, Katy Thorne KC, has claimed that Baird lied to medical professionals about the alleged abuse, suggesting inconsistencies in the evidence. This case is being covered in-depth by 'The Trial' podcast from the Daily Mail, titled 'Driven To Death?', which offers twice-weekly episodes with analysis and expert reporting from inside the court. Additional episodes will explore key developments, such as the defense's arguments and other twists in the trial.
Listeners can subscribe to The Crime Desk for ad-free access to the podcast, exclusive bonus episodes including the 'Celebrities on Trial' mini-series, and archives of past trials. A free newsletter is also available for updates on this and other crime stories.
Tarryn Baird, aged 34 at the time of her death, died from hanging in her Swindon home. Christopher Trybus, who appeared outside Winchester Crown Court on February 24, 2026, is charged with manslaughter in connection with her suicide, with the trial expected to delve deeply into the allegations of domestic abuse and coercive control.