A man acquitted of manslaughter over his wife’s suicide has reportedly been arrested on suspicion of harassing her mother.
Christopher Trybus, 44, was cleared of manslaughter after Tarryn Baird, 34, was found hanged in the garage of their home in 2017.
A conviction would have made legal history, marking the first time in Britain that someone was held criminally responsible for another person’s suicide.
Trybus broke down in the dock at Winchester Crown Court in April after a jury found him not guilty of manslaughter, controlling or coercive behaviour and rape, following more than 40 hours of deliberations.
However, just over six months later, the former IT consultant—who previously earned up to £300,000 a year—has reportedly been arrested on suspicion of harassing Tarryn’s mother, Michelle Baird, according to The Sun.
Mrs Baird was a key prosecution witness during Trybus’s trial, telling jurors about the abuse he allegedly subjected her daughter to.
She alleges that Trybus harassed her in the months following the trial and reported the matter to Wiltshire Police.
Trybus was arrested at his home in Swindon on Friday, November 6, before being released on bail while enquiries continue. He strongly denies the allegation.
Christopher Trybus, 44, arrives at Winchester Crown Court earlier this year
The IT consultant was accused of driving his former wife, Tarryn Baird, 34, to suicide but was acquitted of every charge
Trybus has reportedly been arrested on suspicion of harassing Tarryn’s mother, Michelle Baird
A Wiltshire Police spokesman said: ‘A 44-year-old man was arrested in Swindon on Friday, November 6, on suspicion of harassment. He has since been released on bail pending further enquiries.’
Trybus’s solicitor, Rishi Verma, told The Sun: ‘On behalf of Mr Trybus, I confirm that he was arrested following an allegation of harassment.
‘Mr Trybus denies the allegation. He will not provide any further comment at this stage.’
Tarryn died by suicide on November 28, 2017, just hours after making several calls to mental health services and a day after visiting her local police station.
The case began a period of almost a decade during which Trybus was either under investigation or facing trial.
During proceedings earlier this year, Mrs Baird became a central witness after finding an audio recording that prosecutors said captured Trybus raping her daughter.
The defence argued instead that the sounds on the recording came from the couple having consensual rough sex.
Mrs Baird told jurors that she had noticed bruises on her daughter’s body before her death. She also recalled hearing Trybus tell Tarryn that he would ‘snap her neck and dissolve her in acid’.
She further alleged that he controlled his former wife, who was said to have had to ‘ask permission’ to use her own house and car keys.
Tarryn contacted Swindon Women’s Aid 177 times in the 14 months before her death and also reported Trybus to police.
Officers opened three separate investigations into Trybus, but he was acquitted of all charges after the six-week trial.
Speaking outside court afterwards, he said: ‘After three police investigations over the course of ten years, I am relieved that the jury carefully considered the evidence and reached the correct verdict today.
Trybus arrives at Winchester Crown Court with his wife, Beata
‘I want to thank my wife, my family and my friends for their unwavering support, as well as my legal team for their hard work and dedication throughout the process.
‘This has had a profound impact on my life and on those closest to me.
‘It has been an incredibly difficult experience. I would also like to acknowledge that domestic abuse is a very real and serious issue, and victims must always be supported.
‘For now, my focus is on moving forward and rebuilding my life with my family. Thank you.’
Trybus gave evidence in his own defence during the trial.
While in the witness box for several days, he said he had tried to support his ‘beloved’ wife, Tarryn, but maintained that she had suffered from mental health problems.
He became emotional while describing how he learned of her death when he was overseas for work.
‘I was in Germany. I tried to call Tarryn, but she didn’t answer,’ he said. ‘I spoke to Michelle [Baird], and she said, “Tarryn’s dead”. I was in disbelief. I was in a state of shock. I was crying a lot and thinking, “Why has she done this?”‘
Trybus denied being responsible for Tarryn’s suicide. He said he had never been violent towards her and denied raping, isolating or belittling her, or restricting her access to money.
He has since married again, to Beata Trybus, 39, who accompanied him to court each morning during the trial.