Carer Sentenced to Life for Murder of Disabled Man After Social Media Meeting
An unofficial carer has been handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 19 years for the brutal murder of a disabled man, whose decomposing body he concealed for up to a month. Jason Trundle, 52, was jailed at Worcester Crown Court on Friday, 10 April 2026, after a jury found him guilty of murder, despite his admission of manslaughter.
Gruesome Discovery in Telford Home
The court heard that Leon Pratt, a 64-year-old man with several health conditions who used a wheelchair, was discovered dead on his bed at his home in Downemead, Hollinswood, Telford, Shropshire, on 26 October 2024. Concerned neighbours had alerted emergency services, leading to the grim find. A post-mortem examination later revealed Mr Pratt had suffered significant injuries to his back, ribs, and neck, which prompted police to charge Trundle with murder after initially bailing him.
Deceit and Concealment Uncovered
Video footage from Trundle's trial, released by West Mercia Police, showed him telling paramedics that Mr Pratt had "been dead for about 12 days." In body-worn camera footage, Trundle pointed at a closed bedroom door and stated, "And no, before you ask, I didn't kill him." When asked why he failed to report the death, he replied, "I've got nowhere else to go." Mr Pratt's last phone activity was recorded on 27 September 2024, the same day his car was last used, indicating the timeline of the crime.
Background of the Relationship
Trundle, who had no fixed address, moved in with Mr Pratt after the pair met on social media. He was expected to provide day-to-day care for Mr Pratt at his residence. However, this arrangement turned deadly, with Trundle's actions described as "deplorable" by investigating officers.
Additional Sentences and Police Response
In addition to the life sentence for murder, Trundle received a 30-month sentence for preventing a lawful burial and nine months for fraud, both to run concurrently. Detective Inspector Joanne Delahay commented after 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 that the jury's decision brings some closure to Mr Pratt's family and friends.
This case highlights the dangers of informal care arrangements formed through social media, underscoring the need for vigilance and proper vetting in such situations.
