Former Royal Marine accused of spying for Hong Kong intelligence service found dead in park
A former Royal Marine accused of spying for the Hong Kong intelligence service has died in unexplained circumstances in a park in Berkshire.
Matthew Trickett, 37, was charged with offences under the National Security Act earlier this month.
His family said in a statement: "We are mourning the loss of a much-loved son, brother, and family member."
They also appealed for privacy "at this difficult time".
Thames Valley Police said officers were called to Grenfell Park, Maidenhead, at around 5.15pm on Sunday following a report from a member of the public.
The force said in a statement: "Officers attended the scene and found a man. Emergency treatment was commenced but sadly the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
"An investigation is ongoing into the death, which is currently being treated as unexplained.
"Formal identification has taken place and we can confirm the man is Matthew Trickett, aged 37, from Maidenhead.
"His family have been informed and they are being supported by officers. We would kindly ask that their privacy is respected at this difficult time."
The force added that a post-mortem would be conducted in "due course".
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Trickett and two other men were charged with assisting a foreign intelligence service, contrary to the National Security Act, and with foreign interference, contrary to the National Security Act.
"The foreign intelligence service to which the above charges relate is that of Hong Kong," police said at the time.
Trickett appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 13 May, where he spoke only to confirm his name.
He was then released on bail.
At the time, police said that while the offences were "concerning", there was not believed to be any wider threat to the public.
Trickett's solicitor Julian Hayes, a senior partner at Berris Law, said: "It has sadly been confirmed by Thames Valley Police, that the body found... was that of our client...
"We are naturally shocked at this news and supporting his family as best we can.
"The death is currently being treated as unexplained by the police and further investigations are still ongoing."
Mr Hayes added: "Following a mandatory referral the Independent Office for Police Conduct, due to the prior contact with police, the matter has now been passed on to Thames Valley Police's Professional Standards Department.
"It would therefore not be appropriate for us or the family to comment any further at this stage."
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