A murderer who violently killed a disabled man he was supposed to be caring for and left his body to rot for 12 days has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 19 years. Leon Pratt's decomposing body was discovered by paramedics wrapped in a duvet on his bed at home in Telford, Shropshire, on October 26, 2024.
Neighbours Raise Alarm Over Missing Man
Concerned neighbours had raised the alarm after not seeing the 64-year-old for several weeks. Paramedics went to check on Mr Pratt but found Jason Trundle, 52, his 'unofficial carer,' along with the overwhelming stench of a rotting body.
Body cam footage released by West Mercia Police shows the medics arriving at Mr Pratt's house, with one asking his colleague 'can you smell that?' Once inside, Trundle pointed at a closed bedroom door and told them: 'In there. He's been dead about 12 days.'
Vague and Evasive Responses
Trundle was deliberately vague about how Mr Pratt had died. When asked how he had found him, he simply said 'I'm not going to comment on that.' He then added: 'I didn't kill him. He just died.' Paramedics reported they could smell the 'putrid' odour of rotting flesh upon entering the property.
When questioned if he had informed anyone about the death, the killer replied 'nope' before stating: 'Nobody knows I'm here, I don't have any money, I've gotta look after that dog. So where am I gonna go and what am I gonna do?' After further probing by the paramedics, he boldly declared 'I'm not gonna answer any questions.'
Deceit and Cover-Up Attempts
Trundle claimed his victim was 'off the plot' and 'going stupid' due to his health conditions, alleging he 'had to lock him in the house' whenever he left to do shopping. The killer said: 'He would literally spiral out of control.'
When police arrived, they asked how Mr Pratt died, with Trundle responding: 'Next question.' He was then arrested at the scene. Trundle was initially bailed but later charged with murder after a post-mortem examination revealed that Mr Pratt had suffered several significant injuries to his back, ribs, and neck.
Violent Injuries Revealed
These injuries were consistent with strangulation and would require 'considerable force' to inflict, the jury was told. Trundle admitted manslaughter but denied murder, leading to a trial at Stafford Crown Court. He had previously admitted preventing a lawful burial and fraud by false representation after using Mr Pratt's bank card in a local shop while the victim lay dead at home.
The court heard that Trundle moved in with Mr Pratt after they met on social media about a year and a half before the murder. The killer had nowhere to live and would provide day-to-day care for Mr Pratt, who was disabled, used a wheelchair, and had several health conditions.
Prosecution Details the Case
Prosecutor Richard Barraclough KC told the jury: 'He told Mr Pratt he was homeless and was invited to live with him. He was Mr Pratt's unofficial carer.' Neighbours in Downemeade, in the Hollinswood area of Telford, called 999 to alert authorities that Mr Pratt had not been seen since the end of September 2024.
Paramedics 'could smell something putrid like rotting flesh coming from the property,' Mr Barraclough said during his opening speech. They arrived at about 7.30pm, and just before 8.30pm, Trundle was arrested on suspicion of murder after revealing Mr Pratt's rotting body.
Family Denied Respectful Burial
The victim's last phone activity was on September 27, 2024—the same day his car was last used. Detective Inspector Joanne Delahay, of West Mercia Police, said: '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. Mr Pratt's rotting body was found by paramedics in his bedroom wrapped in a duvet. Trundle was homeless, and Mr Pratt had invited him in as his 'unofficial carer' after meeting him on social media.
Justice Served After Trial
'We welcome the decision made by the jury and are thankful Leon's family only had to wait another day for Trundle to be sentenced,' Detective Inspector Delahay continued. 'I hope it brings some closure to Leon's family and those that knew him.'
Trundle was convicted of murder by jurors and jailed for life, with a minimum term of 19 years, at Worcester Crown Court on Friday, April 10. The case highlights the tragic betrayal of trust in a caregiving relationship and the severe consequences of such violent acts.
