Trought was educated at Oakham School and pursued a marine career from 1967 until 1985, rising to master and superintendent.
He served as Director of the Group Operating Board of Lamnalco from 1985 to 2000, DGM of the Abu Dhabi Petroleum Ports Authority from 2002 to 2004, and chairman of Alderney Renewable Energy from 2006 to 2010.
As President of the States of Alderney, Trought is not directly responsible for political matters.
Additionally, he welcomed official visits from TRH Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall in July 2012, from Prince Edward, Duke of Kent in October 2018, and from various MPs and French officials.
[4] On 2 March 2017, Trought was invited to give evidence to the House of Commons Justice Select Committee on Alderney's interests after Brexit.