Swindon Man Faces Manslaughter and Rape Charges in Wife's Death Case
Christopher Trybus, a 43-year-old software consultant from Swindon, has described learning of his wife's death as the "worst day of my life" while standing trial at Winchester Crown Court. Trybus is charged with the manslaughter of Tarryn Baird, who was found dead at her home in Swindon, Wiltshire, on November 28, 2017. Additionally, he faces two counts of rape and allegations of coercive and controlling behavior, all of which he denies.
Emotional Testimony Reveals Shock and Grief
During Friday's proceedings, Trybus recounted receiving the news while on a work trip in Stuttgart, Germany. "I was just in such a state of shock and it hit me. I went back to my desk and booked a flight," he told the court. He described breaking down in tears on his way to the airport, emphasizing the profound impact of the event. "It's not something anyone can prepare themselves for; it's a cliche but you never think it's going to happen to you," Trybus said, adding, "So, worst day of my life, just absolutely terrible, I don't know how else to describe it."
Audio Recording and Diary Entries Presented as Evidence
The prosecution played an audio recording allegedly made by Baird during an assault by Trybus. In response, Trybus claimed the sounds were "bumps and thumps" and suggested the microphone picked up ambient noises, such as a door moving. "It's hard to say exactly what's going on but certainly not me assaulting or restraining her," he asserted.
Prosecutor Tom Little KC questioned Trybus about Baird's accusations, which included 25 instances of assault or sexual assault. When asked if he was angry at being labeled a "wife-beater," Trybus replied, "It's difficult to be angry with someone who is dead." Little pressed further, suggesting Baird was lying, to which Trybus responded, "I don't know the reasons for that and me being angry won't change any of that."
Allegations of Evidence Destruction and Detailed Diary Accounts
The court heard that Trybus obtained a new phone on the same day Baird was interviewed by police regarding abuse allegations. Messages from his old device, including communications with Baird, were lost in the transition. Little questioned whether this was an attempt to remove evidence of domestic abuse, but Trybus denied the accusation.
Further evidence included entries from Baird's diary, where she detailed their sex life and efforts to secure a place in a women's refuge. One entry read, "One night, during sex, I felt his hands around my neck. Something was unleashed that night. Progressively, sex got rougher. The more I fight back, the more he enjoys it." Baird described this as "a side" of her husband that had been hidden. When questioned about the diary, Trybus remarked, "There was a lot of strange things she wrote in her diary."
Trial Continues Amidst Serious Charges
Christopher Trybus maintains his innocence against all charges as the trial proceeds. The case has drawn significant attention due to the grave nature of the allegations and the emotional testimony presented in court.
For support, individuals in the UK and Ireland can contact Samaritans at freephone 116 123 or via email. In the US, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available at 988, and in Australia, Lifeline can be reached at 13 11 14. Additional international helplines are accessible through befrienders.org.
