A tragic incident unfolded when Claudiu-Carol Kondor, a hardworking Amazon delivery driver, lost his life while trying to stop a thief from stealing his van.
The determined 42-year-old clung to his vehicle in a desperate attempt to protect his property, ultimately resulting in his death.
The Attempt to Stop the Theft
On August 20 of last year, Kondor was delivering parcels in Leeds when Mark Ross, 32, spotted the unattended van with the engine running.
Seizing the opportunity, Ross jumped into the driver’s seat and began to drive away.
Seeing his vehicle being stolen, Kondor rushed to the passenger side, opened the door, and attempted to climb inside.
Despite his efforts, Ross kept driving, swerving dangerously to shake Kondor off.
Reckless Driving Leads to Tragedy
Ross sped through residential streets, reaching speeds of nearly 60 mph.
Witnesses reported seeing Kondor clinging to the van’s open door, his legs dragging along the ground as he shouted for help.
Determined to get rid of him, Ross deliberately swerved into two parked cars.
The second collision proved fatal, causing severe head and chest injuries that claimed Kondor’s life.
Courtroom Verdict and Sentencing
Leeds Crown Court heard that Ross claimed he was unaware of Kondor hanging onto the van, insisting that speed bumps caused him to lose control.
However, the jury rejected this claim, finding Ross guilty of murder by a majority of 10 to 1.
On Friday, the court sentenced Ross to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 30 years.
Grief and Heartache for Loved Ones
Kondor’s fiancée, Mariana Gheorghe, shared her heartbreak in court.
She described Kondor as a dedicated worker who had saved to buy his own van just three weeks before his death.
Gheorghe recalled his love for delivery work, where he found joy in meeting people and ensuring parcels arrived safely.
She expressed her struggle to cope with his loss, describing life without him as overwhelming and uncertain.
A Life of Hard Work and Determination
Kondor’s story was one of perseverance.
After a challenging upbringing in Romania, he moved to Italy at 19 and worked tirelessly, even volunteering to help earthquake victims in 2009.
He relocated to England in 2019, working as a delivery driver and security guard before achieving his goal of owning a van in July 2024.
Judge’s Condemnation
During sentencing, Judge Mr Justice Goss highlighted the terror Kondor must have experienced in the final moments of his life.
He condemned Ross’s cruelty, stating that Kondor endured both mental and physical suffering as Ross ignored his pleas and drove faster to shake him off.
Ross’s Troubled Past
Ross admitted to being a habitual cannabis user and claimed he hadn’t seen Kondor clinging to the van.
Despite pleading guilty to manslaughter, Ross maintained he had no intention to harm anyone.
He was also sentenced to an additional six months for stealing cashmere jumpers from a lorry in a separate incident.
Remembering a Dedicated Worker
Senior coroner Kevin McLoughlin described Kondor as a hardworking individual committed to contributing to society.
His tragic death remains a painful reminder of the risks some face in defending their livelihoods.