Police officers who investigated a woman’s suicide are facing a gross misconduct probe after her husband was cleared in court of raping her and driving her to kill herself.
Two officers from Wiltshire Police are being probed about their investigation into the death of Tarryn Baird, who died aged 34 at her home in Swindon, Wiltshire, in November 2017.
On Wednesday her husband Christopher Trybus, now 44, was found not guilty manslaughter, two counts of rape and coercive and controlling behaviour towards Ms Baird.
Prosecutors had alleged that Mr Trybus was responsible for a ‘tsunami’ of domestic abuse, including sexual assault, physical violence and controlling behaviour.
It was heard that Ms Baird had reported abuse more than 30 times to professionals and had tried to access support in the months before her death.
She was said to have injuries consistent with being involved in a car crash, and allegations against her husband included strangling Ms Baird during sex until she passed out.
His defence argued Ms Baird had a history of mental health issues and that she had fabricated all of the allegations against him.
They claimed that an alleged ‘rape tape’ – a recording of the couple having sex which the prosecution had put forward as proof that Mr Trybus had sexually assaulted his wife – was actually consensual rough sex.
A jury deliberated for more than 40 hours before clearing him of all charges.
Two officers from Wiltshire Police are being probed about their investigation into the death of Tarryn Baird (pictured), who was found hanged aged 34 at her home in Swindon, Wiltshire, in November 2017
On Wednesday her husband Christopher Trybus (pictured with his current wife Bea), now 44, was found not guilty manslaughter, two counts of rape and coercive and controlling behaviour towards Ms Baird
Now the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed it is looking at whether two officers should face gross misconduct proceedings over potential ‘missed opportunities to investigate effectively’.
One officer attended the scene after Ms Baird was found dead, while the second – who has since retired – was involved in the initial investigation.
It is thought the IOPC probe will look at complaints about the investigation including alleged loss of evidence – including Ms Baird’s suicide note – on the day of her death.
It is also set to examine a claim that one officer told her grieving family that ‘the couple looked so in love he wanted to stick his fingers down his throat’.
Michelle Baird previously told how she found officers helping themselves to tea and coffee at her daughter’s home after her body had been found.
Wiltshire Police initially made a mandatory referral to the IOPC following her death, due to previous contact they had had with Ms Baird.
It was ruled that there was no case to answer.
An initial investigation focussed on Mr Trybus but ended after police found insufficient evidence for him to be charged over her death.
An investigation into allegations of domestic abuse of Ms Baird, which she had reported took place in conversations with friends and mental health workers, also closed in 2017 with no further action.
In 2020, the investigation into her death was reopened after Ms Baird’s mother Michelle found photographs on her daughter’s phone depicting injuries, and the audio which prosecutors say was a record of sexual assault.
Tarryn Baird (pictured) reported alleged abuse more than 30 times and was found to have injuries seen in car crash victims, a court was told
The case was ultimately referred to an independent police force, Dorset Police, and charges against Mr Trybus were brought.
An IOPC spokesperson, said: ‘We received a voluntary conduct referral from Wiltshire Police on 25 June 2025 relating to its investigation into the death of Tarryn Baird who was found dead at her home on 28 November 2017.
‘The police investigation concluded there was insufficient evidence to charge anyone in connection with her death and the case was closed. However, after a review by Dorset Police, charges were later brought.
‘Our independent investigation is examining Wiltshire Police’s handling of the initial investigation to establish if there were potentially any missed opportunities to investigate effectively.
‘We are specifically considering the actions of two officers, one who attended the scene where Ms Baird was found dead and the other who was involved in the investigation and has since retired from the force.
‘They are being investigated by us for potential gross misconduct. Our enquiries continue.’
Since the verdict, Ms Baird’s mother Michelle told Channel 4 she believes Mr Trybus’ defence team attempted to ‘assassinate’ her daughter’s character and ‘victim blame’.
After being cleared this week, Mr Trybus told journalists he had nothing to say to Ms Baird’s family.
Smiling and accompanied by his new wife Bea, he said: ‘I want to thank my wife, my family, and my friends for their unwavering support – and my legal team for their hard work and dedication throughout the process.
‘This has had a profound impact on my life and on those closest to me. It’s been an incredibly difficult experience.
‘I would also like to acknowledge that domestic abuse is a very real and serious issue, and victims must always be supported.
‘Right now, I’ll focus on moving forward and rebuilding my life with my family.’
Ms Baird and Mr Trybus moved to Swindon from South Africa in 2007 and married in 2009.
Assistant Chief Constable Liz Coles, of Wiltshire Police, said: ‘Our thoughts are with Tarryn Baird’s family and friends at this time.
‘Wiltshire Police investigated the circumstances surrounding Tarryn’s death in November 2017.
‘As part of our inquiries, we made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to our previous contact with Tarryn.
‘The IOPC conducted an independent investigation which concluded in 2019 and found Wiltshire Police had no case to answer.
‘The same year, the criminal investigation, then being undertaken by the Major Crime Investigation Team, concluded that no further action was to be taken with regards to Christopher Trybus.
‘In 2020, evidence was identified which led to the criminal case being re-opened.
‘Following a review, Assistant Chief Constable Mark Cooper (now Deputy Chief Constable), requested an independent police force take over the criminal investigation in 2021.
‘Dorset Police agreed to do this in December 2021 and subsequently, the Crown Prosecution Service authorised charging Christopher Trybus with manslaughter, two counts of rape and engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour.
‘Wiltshire Police subsequently made a second referral into the IOPC regarding this case.
‘As an independent investigation by the IOPC is ongoing, it would not be appropriate for us to comment further at this time.’
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