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Police Watchdog Probes Wiltshire Officers Over 2017 Tarryn Baird Death After Husband’s Acquittal

The IOPC is examining Wiltshire Police’s initial handling of the case following this week’s jury acquittal of Christopher Trybus.

Overview

  • The Independent Office for Police Conduct said it is investigating two Wiltshire Police officers for potential gross misconduct over the force’s first inquiry into Tarryn Baird’s death in 2017.
  • Trybus, acquitted Wednesday after about 40 hours of jury deliberation at Winchester Crown Court, was found not guilty of manslaughter, two rapes and controlling or coercive behaviour.
  • Prosecutors presented photos of bruising, diary entries and a phone audio clip to allege coercive control and sexual assaults, while the defence cited work trips abroad, a probable PTSD diagnosis and claims of consensual sex or self-harm.
  • Wiltshire Police said its 2017 investigation found no case to answer and that a later review led Dorset Police to take over in 2021, after which prosecutors brought charges that the jury rejected.
  • After the verdict, Trybus and his current wife said they were relieved, Baird’s mother said she was devastated and plans to pursue questions about her daughter’s mental-health care, and legal commentators noted this case tests a developing area of law on liability when alleged abuse precedes suicide.