Man Acquitted of Manslaughter and Rape Charges After Wife's Suicide
Christopher Trybus, a resident of Swindon in Wiltshire, has been cleared of all charges at Winchester Crown Court, including manslaughter, rape, and controlling and coercive behaviour. The case centred on the tragic death of his wife, Tarryn Baird, who took her own life in November 2017.
Prosecution Allegations of Abuse and Control
During the trial, prosecutors presented a detailed account of alleged abuse. They claimed that Mr Trybus engaged in extensive and escalating controlling, coercive, and manipulative behaviour towards Ms Baird. This included sexual violence, with accusations of two rapes and other sexual assaults.
Tom Little KC, prosecuting, told the jury that the abuse occurred over a sustained period behind closed doors within their marriage. He stated, "It led ultimately in November 2017 to a woman in just her 30s and whose name is Tarryn Baird, taking her own life by hanging." The prosecution argued that Mr Trybus was legally responsible for her death due to his actions.
Specific allegations involved the use and threat of violence, sexual assault, monitoring Ms Baird's movements, restricting her access to money, threatening to disclose private information to her family, and isolating her from relatives. Prosecutors further accused him of using a belt to choke her and strangling her during sex, causing her to lose consciousness.
Defence Testimony and Jury Deliberations
In his defence, Mr Trybus, who operated an IT company, testified that he regularly travelled overseas for work and was abroad on the dates of several alleged incidents. He also suggested that his wife was suffering from mental health problems, which he attributed to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The trial concluded with seven days of jury deliberations. Mr Justice Linden had informed the jury, composed of five men and seven women, that he would accept majority verdicts on all four charges. Ultimately, the jury returned a verdict of not guilty on all counts.
This case highlights the complexities of legal proceedings involving domestic abuse and mental health, with the court finding insufficient evidence to convict Mr Trybus in connection with his wife's suicide.
