A 32-year-old man has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of a delivery driver who was working for Amazon when he tried to stop his van being stolen.
Claudiu-Carol Kondor (pictured) was found seriously injured in Leeds just before 7pm on August 20. Officers attending the scene found the 42-year-old unconscious with members of the public trying to help him.
He was given emergency treatment by ambulance staff but was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.
Kondor, who was from Sheffield, was dragged along the road for half-a-mile while attempting to stop his van from being stolen.
Mark Ross admitted his manslaughter when he appeared at Leeds Crown Court via video-link from prison on Friday (September 20), but denied murder.
He was remanded in custody and is due to go on trial for Kondor's murder on March 4 next year. A pre-trial review hearing will be held on February 7.
Two other people were arrested in connection with the incident. A 24-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder was released on bail pending further inquiries.
A woman, who was arrested at the same time on suspicion of assisting an offender, was released under investigation.
Kondor's silver Ford Transit van was found abondoned
As Mr Kondor lay dying in the street, the thief is alleged to have driven off, and abandoned the vehicle six miles away in Heights Drive.
An online fundraiser, which was set up for Kondor's family by Mike Neill, operations manager at SP Transport Group, where Kondor worked, has raised more than £32,000.
Neill paid tribute to Kondor at the time of his death, calling him a “dedicated and cherished member” of the SP Transport Group family.
“This unimaginable loss has left us all devastated,” he continued. “Claudiu was more than just a colleague—he was a friend, a confidant, and a valued member of our team. His commitment to his work and the camaraderie he brought to the workplace will never be forgotten.
“The impact of this tragedy extends far beyond our workplace, affecting all who had the privilege of knowing Claudiu.”
An inquest into Kondor’s death has been opened and adjourned at Wakefield Coroners' Court by senior coroner Kevin McLoughlin.
He said Kondor’s cause of death was head and chest injuries, describing his death as “heartbreaking”.
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Gareth has more than 20 years’ experience as a journalist having started his career in local newspapers in the 1990s. Prior to joining Fleet News in 2008, he worked in the public sector as a media advisor and is currently news editor at Fleet News.
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