22-5-2024 (LONDON) In a shocking turn of events, a former Royal Marine who had been charged with assisting the Hong Kong intelligence service has been found dead, according to police reports. The untimely demise of Matthew Trickett, 37, a Home Office immigration officer, has cast a pall of sorrow over the community.
Trickett had appeared in court just last week, facing charges under the National Security Act. However, his life was tragically cut short when a member of the public discovered his body in a park in Maidenhead, Berkshire, on Sunday.
The Thames Valley Police, responsible for the investigation, have stated that Trickett’s death is currently being treated as unexplained, and a post-mortem examination will be conducted in due course to shed light on the circumstances surrounding his untimely demise.
According to the police report, officers were called to Grenfell Park in Maidenhead at approximately 5:15 PM BST on Sunday, where Trickett’s lifeless body was found. Despite immediate emergency treatment, he was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
In the aftermath of this tragic incident, a sombre scene unfolded in the park, with a black forensics tent visible within a cordoned-off area on Tuesday evening. Police officers were stationed around the park, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
As the investigation continues, detectives have appealed to the public, urging anyone who was present in the park on Sunday afternoon to come forward with any information that may aid in unravelling the circumstances surrounding Trickett’s death.
In a heartbreaking statement, Trickett’s family expressed their profound grief, describing him as a “much-loved son, brother, and family member.” They poignantly requested privacy during this difficult time, pleading with the press to refrain from intruding upon their mourning.
Julian Hayes, Trickett’s solicitor, echoed the sentiment of shock, stating, “We are naturally shocked at this news and supporting his family as best as we can.”
Trickett’s career had been marked by distinguished service, having previously served as a Royal Marine for six years. More recently, he held the position of a Home Office immigration officer and was the director of a security firm called MTR Consultancy.
Just last week, Trickett found himself embroiled in legal proceedings, charged alongside Chi Leung (Peter) Wai, 38, and Chung Biu Yuen, 63, under the National Security Act. The charges alleged that they had assisted the Hong Kong intelligence service and engaged in foreign interference.
Specifically, the trio was accused of agreeing to undertake information gathering, surveillance, and acts of deception that were likely to materially assist a foreign intelligence service between December 20, 2023, and May 2. Additionally, they were alleged to have forcibly entered a UK residence on May 1.
During their court appearance, the three accused men remained silent, confirming only their identities. They had not entered pleas and were granted bail until this Friday, when they were scheduled to appear at the Old Bailey.
At last week’s hearing, prosecutor Kashif Malik had requested that Trickett be kept in custody for his own welfare, citing an alleged attempt by the defendant to take his own life after being charged. However, this request was denied, and Trickett was granted bail.
In a development that further complicates the situation, the Thames Valley Police have referred themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. This decision was prompted by the force’s contact with Trickett while he was on bail, as he was required to regularly report to a police station.
