Dr Patrick Sookhdeo, founder of the religious freedom charity Barnabas Aid, has died at the age of 79.

A statement from TBF Trust Europe (the German offshoot of one Sookhdeo’s charities) said it was “with deep sadness and heavy hearts” that it announced his death, describing him as someone who “dedicated his life to serving persecuted Christians worldwide”.

The organisation said his life was driven by “deep compassion for people who experience hardship, discrimination, and persecution because of their faith”.

Sookhdeo, who was also an author and speaker on Islamic extremism, had recently been embroiled in controversy which saw him suspended from the charity he started after accusations of financial mismanagement and toxic work culture.

The Charity Commission and Wiltshire Police later launched investigations into wrongdoing at the charity.

Sookhdeo had maintained his innocence accusing detractors of bring about a hostile takeover Barnabas Aid.

While widely regarded for his work supporting the persecuted Church, his career was tarnished in 2015 after being found guilty of sexual assault and intimidating witnesses. He was later accused of a historic indecent assault in which he was found not guilty.

A report, released earlier this year, which sought to clear his name of the most recent allegations reported that both Patrick and his wife Rosemary were battling terminal illness.

Premier has contacted Barnabas Aid and TBF Trust UK for a statement.