Man Accused of Driving Wife to Suicide Describes Her Death as 'Worst Day of My Life'
Christopher Trybus, a 44-year-old software consultant, has told a jury that learning of his wife's suicide was the worst day of his life, as he stands trial at Winchester Crown Court for manslaughter and other serious charges. Trybus is accused of subjecting his wife, Tarryn Baird, to a 'tsunami' of abuse that prosecutors argue drove her to take her own life in November 2017.
Details of the Case and Charges
Trybus faces charges of manslaughter, controlling and coercive behaviour, and two counts of rape. Prosecutors allege that his abusive actions left Baird, aged 34 at the time of her death, with no escape but to end her life. The court heard that Baird was found hanged in the garage of their Swindon home while Trybus was away in Germany for work.
Despite not being physically present at the time of her death, prosecutors contend that Trybus is legally responsible due to the sustained abuse. The coercive control charge includes allegations of violence, sexual assault, monitoring her movements, financial restrictions, threats to reveal private information, and isolating her from family.
Trybus's Emotional Testimony
During his testimony, Trybus described receiving a call about his wife's death while in Germany. He said, 'Halfway down the drive, I broke down and cried. I got to the airport, dumped the car, asked them to put me at the front of the plane because I wanted to get out as soon as possible.' He added, 'It's not something anyone can prepare themselves for, it's a cliche but you never think it's going to happen to you. So, worst day of my life, just absolutely terrible.'
Trybus also spoke about Baird's mental health, noting she had a history of issues, including potential PTSD from witnessing traumatic car-jacking incidents in South Africa, where the couple grew up before moving to the UK in 2007. He claimed her mental health had improved in the weeks before her death after she took up a volunteer role for court witness support, saying she seemed 'mostly back to her normal self.'
Denials and Defense Arguments
When asked by his barrister, Katy Thorne KC, if he was a 'violent and domineering man,' Trybus replied, 'No, I do not think so.' He also denied responsibility for Baird's death, stating, 'No, not at all,' and refuted all charges of rape, sexual assault, violence, and control.
Under cross-examination by prosecutor Tom Little KC, Trybus addressed allegations from his late wife, who accused him of assault or sexual assault on 25 occasions. He said, 'It's difficult to be angry with someone who is dead. It's difficult to know what was going on in her troubled mind. It's someone I love very dearly, I try to understand it, not get angry about it.'
Trybus admitted to getting 'upset, not necessarily angry' during arguments but denied shouting or losing his temper. He expressed regret about being abroad for work frequently before her death, saying, 'I wish I could have done more. Possibly I could have stayed home, I could have taken some time off of work but when you are in it, you do not see it, you just think it will never happen.'
Ongoing Trial and Context
The trial continues as Trybus maintains his innocence against all charges. The case highlights severe allegations of domestic abuse and its potential fatal consequences, drawing attention to issues of mental health and coercive control in relationships.
For emotional support, resources such as the Samaritans are available, but specific contact details are omitted per guidelines. This trial underscores the complex interplay between personal accountability and tragic outcomes in domestic violence cases.
