Man cleared of manslaughter over wife's suicide amid abuse allegations

Christopher Trybus has been found not guilty of manslaughter, rape, and coercive control charges following the suicide of his wife, Tarryn Baird, at their home in Swindon in November 2017.

The verdict was delivered at Winchester Crown Court after a seven-week trial and 40 hours of jury deliberation.

Trybus, 44, was acquitted of all charges, including two counts of rape and coercive and controlling behaviour.

Prosecutors alleged that Trybus subjected Baird to extensive and escalating controlling, coercive, and manipulative behaviour, including sexual violence, over a sustained period behind closed doors.

They argued this conduct ultimately led to Baird taking her own life by hanging.

Baird, who was 34 at the time of her death, had reportedly made more than 100 visits to her general practitioner, reporting rape and displaying bruising she said was caused by beatings.

She had also attempted to leave her husband and move to a women's refuge but feared it was more dangerous to leave than to stay.

The case is significant as it highlights the challenges in prosecuting alleged domestic abuse cases that culminate in suicide, especially when mental health issues are involved.

During the trial, Trybus denied all allegations of abuse, stating that his wife had mental health problems linked to post-traumatic stress disorder after witnessing traumatic events in South Africa, including an armed carjacking.

He also said he was frequently abroad for work and was out of the country on the days of several allegations.

Trybus, who ran an IT company, described the accusations as "heartbreaking and devastating" and claimed some of Baird's injuries were self-inflicted or caused by other means, such as a foam roller used after gym sessions.

His barrister argued that he was "falsely, wrongfully and unfairly accused." The couple met at school in South Africa, married in 2009, and moved to the UK in 2007.

Baird's mother testified that her daughter had become distant towards the end of 2015 and frequently cancelled plans.

The jury's decision followed a majority verdict in a case described by the judge as difficult and sad, with high stakes for the families involved.

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