Carer Accused of Murder Told Paramedics Victim 'Dead for 12 Days'
A murder trial at Stafford Crown Court has heard shocking details about the death of a disabled man in Telford, Shropshire. The court was told that an unofficial carer, accused of killing his client, informed paramedics that the victim had been deceased for approximately twelve days before emergency services were alerted.
Discovery of the Body
The body of 64-year-old Leon Pratt was discovered on October 26, 2024, at his residence in the Hollinswood area of Telford. Paramedics responding to a 999 call from concerned neighbours found Mr Pratt wrapped in a duvet on a bed, with his body in a state of decomposition. Prosecutors described how emergency personnel detected a putrid odor resembling rotting flesh emanating from the property upon arrival.
Accused Carer's Statements
Jason Trundle, 52, who had been living with Mr Pratt as an unofficial carer, answered the door to paramedics around 7:30 PM that evening. Body-worn camera footage released by West Mercia Police and shown to the jury captured Trundle pointing toward a closed bedroom door and stating, "he's been dead for about 12 days." When questioned further, Trundle refused to provide additional information, except to assert that he had found Mr Pratt dead on the bed and to deny any involvement in his death, saying, "And no, before you ask, I didn't kill him."
Background of the Relationship
The court heard that Trundle and Mr Pratt had met through social media approximately a year and a half prior to the incident. Trundle, who was homeless at the time, was invited by Mr Pratt to live with him. In exchange, Trundle provided day-to-day care for Mr Pratt, who suffered from multiple health conditions and relied on a wheelchair and walking sticks for mobility. Neighbours in Downmeade reported not having seen Mr Pratt since the end of September 2024, prompting their emergency call.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Jason Trundle has admitted to manslaughter but denies the charge of murder, a plea not accepted by the Crown Prosecution Service, leading to the ongoing trial. Additionally, Trundle has pleaded guilty to preventing a lawful burial and fraud by false representation, after using Mr Pratt's bank card at a local shop while the victim lay dead at home. Prosecutor Richard Barraclough KC emphasized that the Crown alleges Trundle's actions constituted murder, intending to cause at least really serious harm.
Medical Evidence Presented
A post-mortem examination revealed that Leon Pratt sustained numerous internal injuries, including fractured ribs and damage to his throat and neck structures. Prosecutors stated that seven fractures in the neck area were most probably caused by manual strangulation, requiring considerable force. While some rib fractures might have resulted from resuscitation attempts, Trundle does not claim to have performed CPR. The injuries to the ribs were described as equivalent to a fall from standing height onto a hard surface.
Neighbour Testimonies and Ongoing Trial
In the week preceding the discovery of the body, Trundle allegedly informed neighbours that Mr Pratt had been experiencing mental health issues, threatening to harm his pet dog with a walking stick. Trundle is also said to have claimed that Mr Pratt had "gone a bit crazy" due to medication, leading to an incident where Trundle put him in a headlock. The trial continues as the jury examines the evidence, with the prosecution urging careful consideration to avoid emotional bias.
