‘CARER’ MURDERED DISABLED MAN AND HID BODY FOR WEEKS AFTER MEETING ON SOCIAL MEDIA
A man responsible for concealing a deceased individual’s body within his residence for nearly a month has received a 19-year prison sentence today (Friday 10 April).On 26 October 2024, worried neighbors contacted emergency services after noticing that 64-year-old Leon Pratt had not been seen for some time.
Emergency responders arrived at Pratt’s home located in Downemead, Hollinswood, where they discovered his body wrapped in duvets and blankets in his bed.
Jason Trundle, who was Pratt’s unofficial carer and resided at the same address, informed paramedics that Pratt had been dead for approximately 12 days.
Police were immediately summoned to the scene, and Trundle was evasive when questioned about the circumstances surrounding Pratt’s death.
He was swiftly arrested on suspicion of murder.
Because of the advanced decomposition, injuries to Pratt were not immediately visible, and the exact cause of death could not be established at first.
Trundle was released on bail.
A subsequent post-mortem revealed that Pratt had sustained serious injuries to his back, ribs, and neck.
It was also uncovered that during the time Pratt’s body remained in his home, Trundle made multiple transactions using his bank card at nearby stores.
In September 2025, Trundle, aged 52, faced charges including murder, preventing a lawful and decent burial, and fraud through false representation.
He was held in custody at HMP Hewell until his trial at Worcester Crown Court, scheduled for 16 March 2026.
During the trial’s second day, Trundle admitted to manslaughter, a plea that was rejected by the prosecution, and the case for murder proceeded.
Evidence presented revealed that Trundle had become Pratt’s carer after they met online, and he moved into Pratt’s home after losing his own residence.
The two lived together for approximately a year and a half until Pratt’s death.
Pratt’s last mobile activity was recorded on 27 September 2024, coinciding with the last use of his car.
Authorities believe that Pratt was murdered on that night or in the early hours of the following day by Trundle.
Testimony indicated that ‘considerable force’ was used in causing neck injuries, likely involving strangulation.
After the killing, Trundle concealed Pratt’s body and deceived neighbors for up to 30 days before his arrest.
On 9 April, a jury found Trundle guilty of murder, and he was sentenced to life imprisonment today, with a minimum term of 19 years.
He also received additional sentences of 30 months for obstructing a lawful burial and nine months for fraud, to run alongside his murder sentence.
