Killer Carer's Chilling Words to Paramedics Revealed in Telford Murder Case
Bodycam footage has captured the moment a killer carer told paramedics his victim had been dead for about 12 days after leaving a disabled man decomposing on his bed in Telford. Jason Trundle, 52, was convicted of murdering 64-year-old Leon Pratt and sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 19 years at Worcester Crown Court on April 10.
Gruesome Discovery in Hollinswood Home
Concerned neighbours in Downmeade, Hollinswood, raised the alarm after not seeing Mr Pratt since late September 2024. Paramedics arrived at the property on October 26, 2024, and reported smelling something putrid like rotting flesh. Once inside, Trundle pointed at a closed bedroom door and stated: "In there. He's been dead about 12 days." When asked if he had informed anyone, Trundle replied "nope" and added, "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?"
Mr Pratt's body was found wrapped in a duvet and decomposing on his bed. The victim, who had several health conditions and used a wheelchair and walking sticks, had last phone activity on September 27, 2024, the same day his car was last used.
Trundle's Deceit and Trial Details
Trundle had moved in with Mr Pratt after meeting on social media, claiming to be homeless and serving as his unofficial carer. During the trial at Stafford Crown Court, he admitted manslaughter but denied murder, though jurors convicted him of murder. He also 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 told the jury that Trundle provided day-to-day care for Mr Pratt, having known each other for about a year-and-a-half. In the footage, when paramedics probed further, Trundle boldly replied, "I'm not gonna answer any questions." He claimed Mr Pratt was "off the plot" and "going stupid" due to health conditions, saying he "had to lock him in the house" when leaving for shopping and that "He would literally spiral out of control."
Police Investigation and Sentencing
West Mercia Police initially bailed Trundle but charged him with murder after a post-mortem examination revealed significant injuries to Mr Pratt's back, ribs, and neck. 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 that the hope is the verdict brings some closure to Mr Pratt's family and those who knew him.
The case highlights the tragic betrayal of trust in a caregiving relationship, with the released footage underscoring the chilling nature of Trundle's actions and the subsequent cover-up that lasted for weeks before the grim discovery was made.
