Man charged with unlawful killing after wife's death

Charlotte Rowles
BBC News Investigations
Family handout Tarryn Baird standing in front of rocks on a bench in front of the sea wearing a black T-shirt that says "glam slam".Family handout
Tarryn Baird was "very loving and compassionate, always putting others before herself", her mother said

A man has appeared in court charged in connection with the death of his wife.

Tarryn Baird, 34, was found dead at the couple's home on 28 November 2017. She had called the police before taking her own life.

Forty-two-year-old businessman Christopher Trybus, from Swindon is facing four charges including unlawful killing, two counts of rape and coercive control.

At Poole Magistrates' Court, Mr Trybus spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address.

The charges of rape are alleged to have occurred on two separate occasions. The first is alleged to have occurred on 19 October 2016 and the second between 13 November and 29 November 2016.

Mr Trybus is also accused of repeatedly or continuously engaging in behaviour that was controlling or coercive towards his wife over a period of almost two years.

Coercive control was made a criminal offence in 2015. It is a type of domestic abuse that involves threatening, isolating, exploiting or controlling a person.

The couple were married in 2009 in their native South Africa and moved to the UK before settling in Swindon. Tarryn worked in her husband's business until her death.

Tarryn's mother, Michelle Baird, told the BBC that her daughter was "very loving and compassionate, always putting others before herself".

Family handout A picture of Tarryn Baird, standing in front of a canal or river, wearing a coat and smiling at the camera. Family handout
An inquest into Tarryn's death by Wiltshire Coroner's Court had been suspended pending the outcome of the police investigation

"This has been a very long road for myself and my family," she added.

An inquest opened into Tarryn's death by Wiltshire Coroner's Court has been suspended pending the outcome of the police investigation.

Mr Trybus remains on unconditional bail. He was ordered to appear at Bournemouth Crown Court on 6 March.

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