A man accused of driving his wife to suicide through years of alleged abuse has been cleared of all charges by a jury.
Christopher Trybus, 44, was found not guilty of manslaughter, coercive and controlling behaviour, and two counts of rape at Winchester Crown Court.
His wife, Tarryn Baird, was 34 when she was found hanged at their home in Swindon in November 2017.
Prosecutors alleged that Trybus subjected her to a sustained period of physical, sexual and psychological abuse behind closed doors, which they said ultimately led to her death.
The court heard claims that the alleged abuse included beatings, choking, strangulation and controlling behaviour, with prosecutors describing it as “extensive and escalating.”
However, Trybus denied all allegations, telling the court he had never been violent or abusive toward his wife. He also said he was frequently out of the country for work during some of the alleged incidents.
His defense team argued that he had been falsely accused, suggesting Baird had made untrue claims to health professionals and may have struggled with mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder.
After around 40 hours of deliberation, the jury returned majority not guilty verdicts in a case described by the judge as both difficult and deeply emotional.
Following the verdict, Trybus broke down in tears in court and later embraced his current wife outside.
The trial heard detailed evidence, including diary entries, medical records and testimony from multiple witnesses, outlining Baird’s interactions with healthcare professionals and support services in the months leading up to her death.
Prosecutors said Baird had reported abuse on several occasions and had been trying to leave the relationship, while also expressing fears about involving the police.
The defence maintained that inconsistencies in her reports and timelines undermined the prosecution’s case.
The case is one of several high-profile trials in recent years examining whether alleged domestic abuse can amount to manslaughter in cases where a victim takes their own life.
While some defendants have been convicted of related offences, manslaughter convictions in such cases remain rare.
The judge thanked jurors for their service, acknowledging the complexity and emotional weight of the case.