A shocking case in Telford has concluded with Jason Trundle jailed for life after concealing the body of a murdered man in his home for nearly a month.
Jason Trundle was sentenced on Friday, 10 April 2026, following his conviction for the murder of 64-year-old Leon Pratt. In addition to the murder charge, Trundle was found guilty of preventing a lawful burial and fraud by false representation. He received a life sentence with a minimum term of 19 years.
Concerned neighbours raised the alarm on 26 October 2024 after Mr Pratt had not been seen for several weeks. Emergency services were called, and paramedics discovered Mr Pratt’s body in his bed at his home in Downemead, Hollinswood, wrapped in duvets and blankets. Trundle, who had been living as Mr Pratt’s “unofficial carer,” told paramedics that the victim had been dead for “about 12 days.”
Police were notified and arrested Trundle on suspicion of murder after he failed to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding Mr Pratt’s death.
The body was severely decomposed, initially making it difficult to establish the cause of death. A post-mortem examination revealed that Mr Pratt had sustained serious injuries to his back, ribs, and neck, consistent with strangulation using “considerable force.”
Investigators discovered that Trundle had used Mr Pratt’s bank card multiple times following the murder. Trundle had met Mr Pratt online and moved into his home after claiming to be homeless. The two lived together for approximately 18 months prior to the killing.
Evidence showed that Mr Pratt’s last phone activity and car use occurred on 27 September 2024, which is believed to be the date of the murder.
During the trial, Trundle denied murder and pleaded guilty to manslaughter, but prosecutors rejected this plea. On 9 April, a jury found him guilty of murder. In addition to the 19-year minimum term for murder, he was sentenced to 30 months for preventing a lawful burial and 9 months for fraud, with these sentences to run concurrently.
This disturbing case has deeply affected the Telford community, with justice now delivered for Leon Pratt.
Originally published by UKNIP.
