Woman Allegedly Driven to Suicide by Husband Told Friend He 'Snapped'
A woman who was allegedly driven to suicide by her husband had apparently confided in a friend that he had 'snapped' and revealed a 'different side' of himself, Winchester Crown Court heard this week. The tragic case involves the death of Tarryn Baird, aged 34, who died by hanging at her home in Swindon, Wiltshire, in November 2017.
Christopher Trybus, 43, also from Swindon, is currently on trial accused of manslaughter in connection with Ms Baird's death. Additionally, he faces serious charges of controlling and coercive behaviour, as well as two counts of rape alleged to have occurred in October and November 2016. Trybus has entered a plea of not guilty to all charges, and the trial continues with ongoing testimonies.
Allegations of Coercive Control and Abuse
The prosecution, led by Tom Little KC, outlined that the coercive control charge alleges Trybus controlled Ms Baird through a pattern of abusive behaviour. This included using and threatening violence, committing sexual assaults, monitoring her movements, restricting her access to finances, threatening to disclose private information to her family, and deliberately isolating her from her loved ones.
Jurors heard from Elizabeth Clarke, known as Libby, a friend of Ms Baird who first met her while they both worked at an optical firm in Swindon. Mrs Clarke described how their friendship blossomed over shared experiences, including both having husbands who were 'workaholics'. They maintained their connection even after Ms Baird left the company, with their communication intensifying in 2017 due to the difficulties Ms Baird was enduring.
Text Messages Reveal Disturbing Details
Text messages exchanged between the two women were presented in court, revealing Ms Baird first alleged abuse by her husband in January 2017. In one poignant exchange, Ms Baird described how Trybus had 'snapped' and showed a 'different side' of himself. When Mrs Clarke inquired if Trybus had physically hurt her, Ms Baird responded: 'Yes Libby, I'm afraid he has.'
Ms Baird portrayed herself as a 'total mess' and claimed that Trybus had initially attacked her several months prior, resulting in multiple hospital visits. She further disclosed: 'He checks on me a lot now and I have to account for any time I'm not at home.' This statement underscores the alleged controlling nature of their relationship.
Evidence of Physical Injuries and Concealment
During her testimony, Mrs Clarke recounted that Ms Baird had shown her bruises on her eye and abdomen, as well as images on her phone depicting other injuries. In messages from February 2017, Ms Baird cancelled a meeting with Mrs Clarke, explaining she was 'feeling really sore today from earlier in the week' and that her doctor had diagnosed her with concussion. She added: 'Still feel groggy and spaced out.'
On April 3, 2017, Ms Baird sent a message asking Mrs Clarke to provide an alibi, stating: 'Hey Libby, I hope you guys are having a good day. Please could you do me a favour. If it ever comes up, please say I was with you today.' When questioned about the reason, Ms Baird replied: 'Chris tracked me at the hospital so need cover. Just a bit bruised and sore but I will heal, I always do.' She elaborated: 'He got upset and it made it worse. He thinks I'm hiding things from him.'
Escalating Distress and Attempts to Seek Help
In May 2017, Ms Baird reached out to Mrs Clarke, requesting her to contact Women's Aid to inquire about available space for her. However, Ms Baird later informed her friend that she had planned to leave home at 5pm but 'broke down' and was unable to follow through. Mrs Clarke confirmed in court that she met with Ms Baird every 'couple of weeks' in 2017, noting they were in more frequent contact that year 'because she was going through so much'.
When asked about Ms Baird's drinking habits, Mrs Clarke acknowledged discussions on the topic, revealing that Ms Baird had explained her alcohol use as a way to numb the pain after being hurt by Christopher. Mrs Clarke clarified: 'She said that when Christopher hurt her, it numbed the pain.' When pressed for details, Mrs Clarke responded: 'Being beaten.'
Defence Questions and Background Information
Representing Trybus, Katy Thorne KC questioned Mrs Clarke about the couple's lifestyle, confirming they lived in a large house, drove Porsche vehicles, and enjoyed 'fancy holidays'. Mrs Clarke agreed with this characterization and added that she believed Ms Baird was often 'rattling around in a big house on her own'. Regarding alcohol consumption, Mrs Clarke described it as 'like a housewife having a drink' and not noticeable enough for her to have been concerned.
Earlier in the trial, Mr Little alleged that Trybus engaged in 'extensive and escalating controlling, coercive and manipulative behaviour including sexual violence'. The prosecution contends that Trybus, who worked as a software consultant and developer with frequent international travel, is 'legally responsible' for Ms Baird's death. Both Trybus and Ms Baird, originally from South Africa, relocated to the UK in 2007 and married in 2009.
The trial continues as the court examines further evidence and testimonies to determine the outcome of these grave allegations.
