// BBC UK NEWS — CRONACA
Alleged spy told police he would harm himself - inquest
Matthew Trickett served in the Royal Marines and was proud of his service, his family said
Warning: This story contains details that some may find disturbing.
A former Royal Marine found dead after he was charged with assisting the Hong Kong intelligence service told police he would harm himself after he left custody, an inquest heard.
Matthew Trickett, 37, a Home Office immigration officer, had appeared in court charged under the National Security Act and was found dead in a park in Maidenhead on 19 May 2024.
He had been arrested on 1 May 2024 and was seen to attempt self-harm in his cell on 11 May. He was put under constant supervision but released on bail two days later.
Two co-defendants charged as part of the same investigation were jailed in June.
Contractor Serco was due to fit an electronic tag to Trickett to ensure he was adhering to bail conditions imposed on him by Westminster Magistrates' Court.
But on 19 May, it told Thames Valley Police that it "had not been able to monitor" Trickett and officers sought to arrest him, Reading Coroner's Court heard.
He was later found dead in Grenfell Park by a member of the public.
The inquest into his death is expected to last until 18 November.