A Ryde man who twice went to trial for murder, and was eventually acquitted, has been found dead.

Piers Brazier, 39, was found not guilty of the murder of Scott Cooper in January. 

He had been accused of murdering the 33-year-old, after Mr Cooper’s body was found by police almost exactly a year before, in a shower cubicle at Mr Brazier’s home on George Street, Ryde. 

He had suffered multiple stab wounds, including to the face and neck. 

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After a three-week long trial, members of the jury reached a unanimous verdict of not guilty.  

Mr Brazier had already been on trial for the murder previously, when a verdict could not be made. 

Police said after the two trials, they were “disappointed” by the verdict. 

Detective chief inspector Adam Edwards said: “Officers worked tirelessly to bring this investigation before the courts. 

“We are disappointed by today’s verdict, however, we must respect the jury’s decision.” 

Mr Brazier had always blamed another man for the killing. 

He admitted to being a heroin addict and said he hadn’t slept for weeks prior to the murder, instead taking "uppers" and "downers" — injecting himself with drugs. 

Mr Brazier was asked how he knew Mr Cooper and he simply replied: "Smackhead. We know the same people." 

In court, Mr Brazier was described by his defence barrister Ignatius Hughes as “a common, broken-down drug addict who barely ate or slept — not a vicious killer.” 

Now, four months after being acquitted, Mr Brazier has been found dead.

The case has been referred to the coroner, the County Press understands.