Husband Accused of Driving Wife to Suicide Claims She 'Dreamed Up' Abuse Allegations
A husband on trial for manslaughter has testified that his wife, who died by suicide, fabricated a series of 'horrific' false allegations of domestic abuse as an escape from what he described as a 'boring and lonely' life. Christopher Trybus, 43, is facing charges at Winchester Crown Court over the death of Tarryn Baird, 34, who ended her life at their Swindon home in November 2017.
Prosecution and Defence Clash Over Abuse Claims
Jurors have heard that Trybus allegedly subjected Tarryn to a 'tsunami' of abuse, including rapes, frequent beatings, and controlling behavior, which prosecutors argue left her feeling suicide was her only way out. However, in his defence, Trybus expressed devastation over her death and insisted he could not understand why she would make such claims against him.
His barrister, Katy Thorne KC, referenced historical cases involving false allegations, such as those linked to Leon Brittan, Ted Heath, and the Madeleine McCann family, to suggest that people do fabricate stories. 'People do do it. It is difficult to understand,' she told the court.
Trybus's Emotional Testimony
When questioned by Ms. Thorne, Trybus denied ever being 'viciously violent' towards Tarryn, raping her, or attempting to control her. 'No, absolutely not,' he stated. He affirmed his love for her, saying, 'Yes, very much.' Describing his grief, Trybus said, '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.'
He expressed confusion over the allegations, noting, '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.' Trybus described a mix of emotions, including sadness and a hint of frustration, but stopped short of anger.
Defence Suggests Boredom and Mental Health Issues
Ms. Thorne painted a picture of a 'loving couple living a very nice life' that was ultimately 'quite a boring life, mundane life,' suggesting this mundanity might have been a problem. She proposed that Tarryn, who had struggled with suicidal thoughts since moving from South Africa a decade earlier, spiraled into a 'warped game' of attention-seeking by making false claims to health professionals.
The barrister highlighted that when Trybus traveled for work, Tarryn was left alone, potentially leading her to 'dream up these horrible, but fantastic we say, allegations.' Ms. Thorne emphasized Tarryn's mental health struggles, framing the allegations as a cry for help rather than reality.
Intimate Details and Audio Evidence
The trial delved into the couple's sex life, with Trybus describing it as 'playful' and influenced by the movie 50 Shades of Grey. He admitted to using items like cuffs, a collar, and a whip, purchased from Amazon, but called the discussion 'cringingly embarrassing.' Trybus mentioned an injury caused by a neck collar but said Tarryn did not complain at the time.
An audio recording found on Tarryn's phone, which prosecutors allege captures a sexual assault, was discussed. Ms. Thorne likened it to an 'optical illusion,' suggesting Tarryn might have been performing for the recording. She pointed out that Trybus is not heard being abusive in the recording, and Tarryn never asks him to stop or says he is hurting her.
Ongoing Trial and Charges
Christopher Trybus, a software consultant, denies charges of manslaughter, controlling and coercive behavior, and two counts of rape. The trial continues as jurors weigh the conflicting narratives of a tragic death and disputed allegations.
