Matthew Trickett, a former Royal Marine who was one of the three individuals charged with spying for Hong Kong, has been found dead in Grenfell Park, Maidenhead. Trickett's body was discovered after he was accused of assisting Hong Kong's intelligence service in gathering information in the UK. The circumstances surrounding his death are currently unknown. Trickett had previously attempted suicide after being charged once. The death is currently being investigated by the police [956112af] [17f5dbb7] [d0ad9e11].
Trickett's death adds a tragic twist to the already tense situation between the UK and China, further straining diplomatic relations. The investigation into the spying allegations is ongoing, and the other two individuals charged, Chi Leung (Peter) Wai and Chung Biu Yuen, are currently out on bail. The next court appearance for all three is scheduled for May 24.
The death of Trickett, who had been accused of espionage under new laws, comes as a shock. Trickett had previously attempted suicide after being charged once. The police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding his death [956112af].
In a recent development, the case against Matthew Trickett has been formally discontinued. Trickett's co-defendants, Chi Leung Wai and Chung Biu Yuen, appeared in court, and their cases were adjourned until October 25. A five-week trial is provisionally scheduled to start on February 10, 2025. The defendants have been charged with assisting a foreign intelligence service and with foreign interference, in violation of the 2023 National Security Act. The death of Trickett has resulted in the closure of the case against him. China's foreign affairs commissioner in Hong Kong has condemned Britain for "cooking up charges" and warned of "firm and strong retaliation". Two men, one of whom works in the UK parliament, were previously charged with spying for China and are due to be tried next year [282fa37d].