'Carer' jailed for murder after hiding body for weeks in Hollinswood home
Jason Trundle has been given a life sentence
Last updated 10th Apr 2026
A man who hid a body for weeks in Telford has been jailed for life for murder, fraud and preventing a lawful burial.
52-year-old Jason Trundle must serve a minimum of 19 years.
Worcester Crown Court heard how 64-year-old Leon Pratt was found dead at his home in Hollinswood on 26th October 2024, after concerned neighbours called the police.
He'd been murdered by his unofficial carer, Trundle, who had lived with Leon for around a year and a half after meeting online.
Emergency services attended his home where they found his body wrapped up in bed.
Trundle told paramedics Leon had died 'about 12 days ago'.
Trundle was arrested on suspicion of murder but because Leon's body was so decomposed, officers couldn't be certain how he died.
Trundle was released on bail until a post-mortem was completed.
A post-mortem later revealed Leon had suffered serious injuries consistent with a violent assault, including strangulation.
The court also heard that Trundle used Leon’s bank card in the weeks after his death and lied to neighbours.
Investigators ruled that Trundle hid Leon's body for up to 30 days.
Trundle was found guilty by a jury of his crimes.
He was handed 30 months for preventing a lawful burial and 9 months for fraud, to run concurrent with the sentence for murder.
Detective Inspector Joanne Delahay from the Major Investigations Unit said:“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.
“We welcome the decision made by the jury this week, and thankful Leon’s family only had to wait another day for Trundle to be sentenced. I hope it brings some closure to Leon’s family and those that knew him.”