Overview
- Christopher Trybus, 43, is charged with manslaughter, controlling and coercive behaviour, and two counts of rape, and he denies all allegations.
- Opening the defence, Katy Thorne KC told jurors Ms Baird fabricated claims due to mental health issues and attention-seeking, noting some injuries were reported when Trybus was abroad.
- The defence argued neck marks came from a consensual sex collar and said a phone audio clip was consensual bondage, characterising the couple’s sex life as mutually agreed.
- Prosecutors allege an escalating pattern of control and sexual violence that contributed to Ms Baird’s death, pointing to GP and counselling notes, diary entries, photographs and her suicide note.
- Evidence heard includes that in late 2017 she reported suicidal thoughts, was found on an M4 bridge, and contacted services on the day she died; the trial, which began on 24 February, is expected to last six to eight weeks.