Man accused of spying for China found dead in park

A former Royal Marine who had been charged with spying for China has been found dead in a park.

- TARA COBHAM

Matthew Trickett, 37, of Maidenhead, Berkshire, who had been accused of assisting the Hong Kong intelligence service and of foreign interference, was on bail after appearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court last week, alongside Chi Leung (Peter) Wai, 38, and Chung Biu Yuen, 63.

His body was discovered in Grenfell Park, Maidenhead, at around 5.15pm on Sunday after a report from a member of the public, Thames Valley Police said yesterday evening.

An investigation is ongoing into the death, which is currently being treated as unexplained.

His family have been informed and they are being supported by officers, with a post-mortem examination to be conducted in due course.

In a statement, the family said: “We’re mourning the loss of a much-loved son, brother and family man.”

Trickett’s solicitor Julian Hayes, senior partner at Berris Law, said: “We are naturally shocked at this news and supporting his family as best we can.”

A local resident said the popular park, which is located close to Maidenhead railway station in Berkshire, was busy on Sunday.

Tatiana Dioniseva, 30, said: “There were so many people here – there were children everywhere. It was a bit bizarre because it was sunny – there were children about and then a crime scene over there.”