Telford Carer Receives Life Sentence for Murder and Concealing Body
An unofficial carer who murdered a disabled man and hid his decomposing body for weeks in a Telford home has been handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 19 years. Jason Trundle, 52, was found guilty of killing 64-year-old Leon Pratt, whose body was discovered wrapped in bedding on October 26, 2024, after neighbors raised concerns about not seeing him for some time.
Discovery and Initial Deception
Leon Pratt was found in his bed at a property in Downemead, Hollinswood, Shropshire, with significant decomposition. Trundle, who lived at the address, initially told paramedics that Mr. Pratt had been dead for approximately 12 days. The two had met on social media, and Trundle had moved in to provide day-to-day care for Mr. Pratt, who used a wheelchair and walking sticks due to multiple health conditions.
Police were called immediately, and Trundle was arrested on suspicion of murder after being evasive about the circumstances. Due to the advanced state of decomposition, the cause of death was not immediately clear, leading to Trundle being released on bail initially.
Investigation Reveals Gruesome Details
In September 2025, Trundle was charged with murder, preventing a lawful burial, and fraud by false representation. A post-mortem examination later revealed that Leon Pratt had suffered significant injuries to his back, ribs, and neck, with evidence suggesting strangulation from considerable force. West Mercia Police believe Mr. Pratt died on or around September 27, 2024, based on the last activity on his phone and car use.
During the time Mr. Pratt was dead, Trundle used his bank card on several occasions at local stores, adding fraud to the charges. He also lied to neighbors for up to 30 days to conceal the body, denying the family a respectful burial.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
The three-week trial at Worcester Crown Court began on March 16 this year. On the second day, Trundle pleaded guilty to manslaughter, but the prosecution rejected this, and the murder trial continued. The jury heard that Trundle had become Mr. Pratt's carer after meeting online and had lived with him for about a year and a half before the killing.
On Thursday, April 9, Trundle was found guilty of murder. The following day, he was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 19 years. Additionally, he received a 30-month sentence for preventing a lawful burial and nine months for fraud, to run concurrently.
Police Response and Family Impact
Detective Inspector Joanne Delahay of West Mercia Police commented on the case, stating, “Jason Trundle’s act of violence and the weeks of deceit that followed, which denied Leon and his family the opportunity to lay him to rest respectfully, is deplorable. Leon clearly trusted Jason with his life, and he took that away from him.”
She added, “We welcome the decision made by the jury this week, and are thankful Leon’s family only had to wait another day for Trundle to be sentenced. I hope it brings some closure to Leon’s family and those that knew him.” The case highlights severe breaches of trust and the tragic consequences for vulnerable individuals in care situations.
