Life Sentence for Murder with Delayed Body Discovery
A man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of a man whose body remained undiscovered for up to a month, according to police reports.
Jason Trundle received a minimum term of 18 years and five months at Worcester Crown Court on Friday after a jury found him guilty of murdering Leon Pratt in October 2024.
Trundle, aged 52, had been residing with Pratt at his Telford, Shropshire home, acting as an "unofficial carer" after meeting Pratt online and informing him he was homeless.
Judge James Burbidge described the killing of the 64-year-old as an "explosion of violence" and noted Trundle's lack of remorse.
Warning: Some readers may find details of the case within this report distressing
The judge also remarked that Trundle refused to attend court for sentencing and instead listened via a video link.
During the sentencing hearing, Trundle was observed sitting casually with his foot resting on his knee, occasionally taking notes.
"I thank the council, the police and the paramedics that engaged in such a traumatic investigation," Burbidge said.
Pratt's decomposed body, described as "infested with maggots and flies," was discovered on 26 October when neighbours, concerned for Pratt's welfare, contacted emergency services.
Trundle had concealed the body with a blanket and continued living in the residence.
He informed paramedics that Pratt had been deceased for 12 days; however, West Mercia Police later stated the body could have been there for as long as 30 days.
Due to the advanced decomposition, initial assessment of injuries was difficult and the cause of death was not immediately clear.
A post-mortem examination revealed Pratt sustained significant injuries to his back, ribs, and neck.
The court heard that Pratt's broken ribs were consistent with an impact similar to falling from a standing height onto a hard surface.
Seven fractures to his neck were determined to be "most probably caused by manual strangulation."
It was also revealed that after Pratt's death, Trundle used Pratt's bank card multiple times at local stores to purchase alcohol, food, and tobacco.
Community and Relationship Background
Trundle pleaded guilty to preventing a lawful burial and fraud by false representation.
At the beginning of his trial, he admitted to manslaughter, but this plea was rejected by the Crown Prosecution Service.
Trundle had moved in with Pratt after the two met online and communicated on social media for nine months.
He told Pratt he was homeless following disputes with his brother and mother.
Pratt had multiple physical health issues and relied on a wheelchair and walking sticks.
Judge Burbidge informed the court that neighbours in the close-knit community of Downemead in Hollinswood, Telford, initially viewed Trundle with suspicion but eventually accepted the nature of their relationship.
Pratt had offered Trundle the role of "unofficial carer" in exchange for accommodation and food.
The pair reportedly got along for the most part and lived together for approximately a year and a half until Pratt's death.
In the week preceding the discovery of the body, Trundle told neighbours that Pratt was mentally unwell and had threatened to strike his pet dog with his walking stick.
He claimed Pratt "had gone a bit crazy" and "proper lost it" due to medication, which led to Trundle placing Pratt in a headlock.
During sentencing, the court learned that both men were attached to a pet dog named Jess.
Neighbours' Concerns and Emergency Response
Neighbours described Pratt as an "intelligent, kind person" who only became depressed when his physical ailments worsened.
Concerned for Pratt's wellbeing, neighbours contacted emergency services, who found his body on 26 October 2024.
Paramedics' bodyworn camera footage captured Trundle indicating the closed bedroom door where Pratt's body was located, stating:
"He's been dead for about 12 days."
Trundle declined to answer further questions except to say he had found Pratt dead on the bed and denied involvement in the death:
"And no, before you ask, I didn't kill him."
When asked why he had not informed anyone of Pratt's death, Trundle replied:
"I've got nowhere else to go."
Legal Representation and Court Remarks
Trundle's legal team argued the murder was "unplanned and unforeseen," and that his failure to dispose of the body indicated a lack of premeditation.
They added:
"He made no effort to dispose of the body, he was unable to do anything and buried his head in the sand."
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