Jury told husband assaulted wife over CCTV being turned off.

A husband in Wiltshire faces trial after allegedly assaulting his wife following her decision to turn off home CCTV, highlighting claims of long-term abuse and coercive control that severely affected her mental health and daily life.

Christopher Trybus, a 43-year-old man from Swindon, Wiltshire, is facing legal proceedings connected to the death of his wife, Tarryn Baird, who died by suicide in November 2017. Prosecutors claim that Trybus subjected Baird to repeated physical and emotional abuse, including a violent incident that occurred after she turned off the CCTV cameras in their home.

Case Background

Tarryn Baird, aged 34 at the time of her death, was reportedly subjected to ongoing abusive behavior by her husband. The prosecution is presenting evidence that Trybus not only assaulted Baird physically but also exercised coercive control over her, negatively affecting her mental health and daily life. Trybus faces charges of manslaughter, coercive or controlling behavior, and two counts of rape. He denies all allegations. The trial is being held at Winchester Crown Court.

Details of Alleged Abuse

During the trial, a representative from Swindon Womens Aid (SWA) provided testimony about the abuse Baird experienced. The SWA worker, who remains unnamed due to legal restrictions, stated that Baird had confided in her regarding the increasing violence she faced. Baird reportedly described the situation as so severe that she "could not believe she was still alive."

In one highlighted incident, Baird informed the SWA worker that Trybus had assaulted her after she disabled the CCTV cameras in their home. A note from June 28, 2017, documented Baird writing: "When I switched off tracking devices, Chris came home and gave me a total beating." Baird also expressed concern that Trybus had placed listening devices around the house, making her feel he was always "one step ahead" of her.

Allegations of Coercive Control

The prosecution asserts that Trybus used coercive control to manipulate Baird through violence, intimidation, and monitoring her movements. He allegedly restricted her access to finances, threatened to reveal private information to her family, and maintained strict control over her life. The SWA witness testified that this behavior deeply affected Baird, who was emotionally and psychologically manipulated.

Baird reportedly indicated that her family was unaware of the abuse, believing instead that she had mental health struggles. She mentioned that her family referred to her as a "lunatic" rather than recognizing the abusive behavior she endured.

Text Messages and Hospitalization

Further evidence presented during the trial included a text Baird sent to the SWA worker on July 11, 2017, reading "hel," which she clarified in a phone call the next day was meant as "help." This message followed another alleged violent encounter with Trybus. Later in July, Baird was hospitalized after a suicide attempt, which she attributed to the ongoing abuse. While in hospital, she explained to the SWA representative that she had been isolating herself from her family due to fear of them discovering the extent of Trybus's violent actions.

Trial Proceedings

Trybus maintains his innocence regarding all charges. The trial continues at Winchester Crown Court, with additional testimony expected. The proceedings have highlighted the extent of abuse Baird reportedly suffered and have emphasized the severe impact of coercive control on victims.

Support for Domestic Violence Survivors

The case has drawn attention to the importance of supporting domestic violence victims and recognizing coercive control as a form of abuse. Resources and support are available for individuals affected by domestic violence, including assistance through specialist services and helplines.

Sources:

• A Woman Died by Suicide in 2017. Prosecutors Now Argue Her Husband's Abuse Was the Reason Why - People.com
• Husband's ‘physical and sexual violence’ caused wife to kill herself, UK court told - The Guardian
• Man accused of causing wife's suicide claims he ‘loved and cherished her’ - ITV News
• Husband beat wife for turning off CCTV, jury told