A UK court is currently examining a tragic case involving the death of Tarryn Baird, a 34-year-old woman who reportedly took her own life after enduring a prolonged campaign of both physical and sexual violence by her husband, Christopher Trybus. Baird was discovered deceased at her residence in Swindon, Wiltshire, on November 28, 2017, leaving behind a note expressing her despair: “I am so sorry but I just couldn’t take it any more.”
The trial, which commenced at Winchester Crown Court, has seen Trybus, 43, facing charges of manslaughter, two counts of rape, and coercive and controlling behavior. He has denied all allegations against him, asserting his innocence.
During the initial proceedings, prosecutors outlined how Trybus’s behavior allegedly intensified over the two years leading up to Baird’s death. They claim that he committed two rapes in late 2016. The court was presented with excerpts from Baird’s diary, which reflected a significant shift in her relationship with Trybus, whom she married in 2009 after relocating from South Africa to the UK two years earlier.
One diary entry described a disturbing incident: “One night, during sex, I felt his hands around my neck. Something was unleashed that night.” Baird described the escalation of violence in their intimate life, noting that her husband’s aggression only intensified. She wrote about this “side” of him that had been concealed for years.
Prosecutor Tom Little KC detailed one incident where Trybus allegedly attempted to strangle Baird following an argument over school fees for her cousin. The court heard that Baird had confided to her doctor about the violence she faced, stating that Trybus had used a rope to strangle her. She had sought medical attention multiple times, indicating the severity of her situation.
In October 2016, Baird disclosed to her doctor and a domestic abuse charity the extent of the abuse, yet remained fearful of leaving her husband. Little emphasized that Baird had begun to formulate a plan to escape to a women’s refuge, which was ultimately thwarted when Trybus returned early from a business trip.
The prosecution highlighted the manipulative tactics employed by Trybus, including threats to inform Baird’s parents about her alleged substance abuse, which he claimed would undermine her credibility if she sought help for domestic violence.
Little articulated that the cumulative impact of the control, physical violence, and sexual abuse contributed significantly to Baird’s declining mental health, ultimately leading her to take her own life.
The trial, presided over by Judge Linden, is expected to last up to seven weeks as the jury considers the evidence presented.
For those in need of support, organizations like the Samaritans in the UK and Ireland can be reached at freephone 116 123, while the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available in the United States. In Australia, individuals can contact Lifeline at 13 11 14. Additional resources can be found at befrienders.org for international support.
