Officers investigated by police watchdog for gross misconduct in Christopher Trybus manslaughter case

Two police officers are being investigated for potential gross misconduct after the death of a woman whose husband was cleared of her manslaughter.

Tarryn Baird, 34, took her own life in Swindon, Wiltshire, in November 2017.

Her husband, Christopher Trybus, 44, was acquitted by a jury on Wednesday in connection with her death.

He was found not guilty of manslaughter, two charges of rape and one count of controlling and coercive behaviour, after being accused of carrying out a "tsunami" of violent and controlling domestic abuse against Ms Baird - which he denied.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has now confirmed it is investigating the actions of an officer, who attended the house where Ms Baird died, and another who was involved in the investigation and has since retired.

A spokesman 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."

After the initial police investigation into Tarryn Baird's death was closed, her mother, Michelle Baird, discovered her daughter had kept photos of injuries she had suffered on her phone, leading to a second police investigation being launched in October 2020.

The trial heard that Ms Baird was diagnosed as probably suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and was seeking help for anxiety and depression.

After he was acquitted, Mr Trybus said outside court: "After three police investigations over the course of 10 years, I'm relieved that the jury has carefully considered the evidence and reached the correct verdict".

Assistant Chief Constable Liz Coles, of Wiltshire Police, said in a statement that in 2017 the force "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 reopened."

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The statement added that Wiltshire Police then asked another force to take over the criminal investigation, and subsequently charges were authorised against Mr Trybus.

"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," the statement concluded.

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.

(c) Sky News 2026: Officers investigated by police watchdog for gross misconduct in Christopher Trybus ma