Former Royal Marine Found Dead After Charges of Assisting Hong Kong Intelligence Service
In a shocking turn of events, Matthew Trickett, a former Royal Marine and Home Office immigration officer charged with assisting the Hong Kong intelligence service, has been found dead in a park in Maidenhead, Berkshire.
Trickett, 37, was discovered by a member of the public on Sunday, prompting an investigation by Thames Valley Police. His death is currently being treated as unexplained, with a post-mortem examination scheduled to determine the cause.
Authorities responded to the scene at Grenfell Park in Maidenhead, where Trickett was pronounced dead despite emergency treatment efforts. A black forensics tent now stands within a cordoned-off area of the park, surrounded by police officers.
Detectives are urging anyone who was in the park on Sunday afternoon to come forward with any information that may aid their investigation.
Trickett’s family issued a statement mourning the loss of their loved one and requested privacy during this difficult time. His solicitor, Julian Hayes, expressed shock at the news and assured that the family is receiving support.
Trickett, who also served in the Royal Marines for six years and operated a security firm called MTR Consultancy, was charged under the National Security Act alongside two others for assisting the Hong Kong intelligence service and foreign interference.
The trio allegedly engaged in activities such as information gathering and surveillance between December 2023 and May 2, with further allegations of breaking into a UK residence on May 1. They are set to appear in court at the Old Bailey this Friday.
During their initial court appearance, Trickett’s mental state was raised as a concern, as he had previously attempted to take his own life following the charges. Despite this, he was granted bail, leading to the Independent Office for Police Conduct being notified due to their contact with him while on bail.
The circumstances surrounding Trickett’s death and the charges against him continue to unfold, leaving many questions unanswered. – BBC
