Gross misconduct investigation over woman's suicide

Two officers are being investigated for potential gross misconduct over their handling of an investigation into the suicide of a woman.

Tarryn Baird, was found dead at her home in Swindon, Wiltshire, after taking her own life in November 2017.

Her husband, Christopher Trybus, 44, had been on trial accused of her manslaughter but was found not guilty of all charges by a jury at Winchester Crown Court on Wednesday.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said it was looking into whether Wiltshire Police missed opportunities to investigate effectively during its initial investigation. The force said it would "not be appropriate to comment at this time".

An IOPC spokesperson said it was specifically looking into the actions of two officers, one who attended the scene after Baird was found dead and another who was involved in the investigation.

The second officer has since retired from the force, they said.

"They are being investigated by us for potential gross misconduct. Our enquiries continue," they added.

In a statement after the verdict, Wiltshire Police said it first made a mandatory referral to the IOPC in November 2017 due to previous contact with Baird, who married Trybus in their native South Africa in 2009.

The couple later moved to the UK, settling in Swindon.

An investigation by the watchdog subsequently took place, concluding the force had no case to answer.

The same year, a criminal investigation found no further action was to be taken against Trybus.

However evidence was later identified and a criminal case was re-opened in 2020.

Dorset Police eventually took on the case after a review in 2021 decided an independent police force should carry out the criminal investigation.

Trybus was later charged with manslaughter, two counts of rape and engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour.

Wiltshire Police subsequently made a second referral to the IOPC.

An employee of Swindon Women's Aid (SWA) told the five-week trial, prior to her death, Baird had reported multiple incidents of violence to the domestic abuse charity.

However, Trybus, who ran an IT company, said he travelled abroad frequently and was out of the country on several days of the allegations.

Trybus said he believed his wife had mental health issues due to post-traumatic stress disorder caused by witnessing an armed carjacking incident in South Africa.

Trybus told the court he was unaware of his wife's allegations against him, describing them as "heartbreaking and devastating".

He also claimed Baird "bruised easily" and blamed some of her injuries on a foam roller she used to massage her muscles after the gym.

Speaking outside court, Trybus said the proceedings had been an "incredibly difficult experience".

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