Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Wednesday 12th March 2025, at 15:00hrs
Mark Ross, 32, has been found guilty of murder after stealing a delivery van and causing the death of Claudiu-Carol Kondor, 42, who tragically clung to the vehicle as it sped away.
The verdict was reached today at Leeds Crown Court following a trial that revealed the shocking circumstances of Kondor’s death.
The incident occurred on August 20th of last year in Farnley, Leeds. Kondor, a delivery driver from Sheffield, was delivering a package in Armley when Ross seized the opportunity to steal his silver Ford Transit Cargo van.
Kondor, determined to stop the theft, held onto the passenger door as Ross sped off.
Witnesses described the harrowing scene as Kondor was dragged along Whingate Road, his feet scraping the ground, desperately shouting for help as Ross swerved the van at high speed. The van ultimately collided with a parked car on Heights Drive, fatally injuring Kondor, who suffered catastrophic head and chest injuries.
Following the collision, Ross fled the scene, arranging for the stolen van to be stripped of its contents in Belle Isle.
The vehicle was later recovered by police, thanks to its on-board tracker and witness testimony.
Extensive police investigations, involving the review of approximately 110 hours of CCTV footage, the collection of 368 exhibits, and the taking of 113 statements, led to Ross’s arrest on August 21st.
During the trial, Ross admitted to manslaughter but denied murder, claiming he was unaware Kondor was clinging to the van and that the fatal crash was due to losing control on speed bumps.
However, the prosecution successfully argued that Ross was aware of Kondor’s presence and deliberately crashed the van to dislodge him, showing a callous disregard for human life.
Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle, the Senior Investigating Officer, expressed his condolences and condemned Ross’s actions.
“Claudiu was a decent hard-working man and it’s clear he was determined not to let Ross take his livelihood. For half a mile he bravely clung to the open door as Ross swerved the van around at speed before deliberately crashing leaving him fatally injured,” he stated.
Kondor, who had moved to the UK from Romania in search of a better life, was remembered by colleagues as a dedicated worker and a friend. His partner, who had also relocated to the UK, has since returned to Romania, deeply affected by the tragedy.
“It is truly heart-breaking that the life of an honest hard-working man has been snatched away by the cruel and callous actions of Mark Ross,” DCI Entwistle added, praising the dedication of the police team and the public’s assistance in securing justice for Kondor and his family.
Ross now awaits sentencing for his crime.
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