Carer Told Paramedics Body Had Been Dead 'For About 12 Days', Court Hears
An 'unofficial carer' accused of murdering a disabled man informed paramedics that the victim 'had been dead for about 12 days' after concerned neighbours dialled 999, a court has heard. The body of 64-year-old Leon Pratt was discovered wrapped in a duvet and decomposing on a bed at his home in Shropshire on October 26, 2024.
Footage Shows Defendant's Interaction with Emergency Services
Video footage released by West Mercia Police and shown to the jury at Stafford Crown Court depicts Jason Trundle, 52, answering the door to paramedics. In the footage, Trundle points at a closed bedroom door and states that Mr Pratt had been deceased for 12 days. He refused to answer further questions, except to assert, 'And no, before you ask, I didn't kill him.' When asked why he had not reported the death, Trundle replied, 'I've got nowhere else to go.'
Background of the Relationship Between Victim and Accused
The court heard that Trundle had moved in with Mr Pratt after they met on social media approximately a year-and-a-half prior. Mr Pratt, who had several health conditions and used a wheelchair and walking sticks, offered Trundle a place to live as he was homeless. In return, Trundle provided day-to-day care, becoming Mr Pratt's unofficial carer. Neighbours in the Hollinswood area of Telford became worried after not seeing Mr Pratt, described as 'very switched on', since the end of September 2024.
Discovery of the Body and Initial Response
Paramedics arrived at the property around 7.30pm on October 26 after neighbours' concerns. Prosecution counsel Richard Barraclough KC told the jury that paramedics 'could smell something putrid like rotting flesh coming from the property'. Upon entering, they encountered Trundle, who directed them to the bedroom where Mr Pratt's body was found. When police later arrived and inquired how Mr Pratt died, Trundle responded, 'Next question.'
Charges and Forensic Evidence Presented in Court
Jason Trundle denies murder but has pleaded guilty to preventing a lawful burial and fraud by false representation. The fraud charge relates to using Mr Pratt's bank card at a local convenience shop while the victim lay dead at home. Trundle has also admitted manslaughter, a plea not accepted by the Crown, which alleges murder.
A post-mortem examination revealed Mr Pratt sustained multiple internal injuries, including:
- Fractured ribs, likely caused by a force equivalent to a fall from standing height onto a hard surface.
- Seven fractures to part of the neck, 'most probably caused by manual strangulation', according to Mr Barraclough.
Mr Barraclough emphasised that 'considerable force is required to cause those injuries'. While two rib fractures on the left side might have resulted from resuscitation attempts, Trundle does not claim to have performed CPR.
Prosecution's Argument and Defendant's Statements
The Crown argues that Trundle's actions constituted murder, intending to cause at least really serious harm. Mr Barraclough stated, 'The Crown alleges that what he did to Mr Pratt was far more serious than simply manslaughter.' He reminded the jury to base their judgment on evidence, not emotion, given the distressing nature of the case.
In the week before the body was discovered, Trundle told neighbours that Mr Pratt had been mentally unwell, threatening his pet dog with a walking stick, and had 'gone a bit crazy' on medication, leading to Trundle putting him in a headlock. The trial continues as further evidence is presented.
