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The Tragic Killing of Claudiu‑Carol Kondor
A Valued Driver’s Final Journey
On 20 August 2024, Claudiu‑Carol Kondor, a 42‑year‑old parcel delivery driver working for SP Transport Group and contracted with Amazon, was tragically killed in Armley, Leeds. Kondor had momentarily left his own Ford Transit van to deliver a package when a local criminal, later identified as Mark Ross, opportunistically climbed into the vehicle and began driving off.
Upon discovering the theft, Kondor clung desperately to the open passenger door in an attempt to stop Ross. CCTV footage revealed him gripping on, hanging onto the van as it careened through residential streets, reaching speeds up to 60 mph.
The Horrific Ride to His Death
Ross drove erratically and deliberately collided with two parked cars, first a black vehicle, then a blue Mini. The second collision caused fatal head and chest injuries, resulting in Kondor’s death at the scene. Witnesses recounted hearing Kondor’s cries for help and seeing his legs dragged along the road.
From Manslaughter Plea to Murder Conviction
At Leeds Crown Court, Ross initially pleaded guilty to manslaughter but denied murder, claiming he didn’t know Kondor was hanging on. A jury ultimately convicted him of murder in March 2025, deeming his actions reckless and deliberate. On 14 March 2025, Ross was sentenced to life in prison, with a minimum term of 30 years, as voiced by the sentencing judge.
Remembering Kondor: A Loving Partner and Hard Worker
Kondor, originally from Romania, had lived in Italy and moved to England in 2019, working various jobs as a security guard and delivery driver. He’d just realised his dream by purchasing his own van three weeks earlier. His fiancée, Mariana Gheorghe, said in a victim impact statement:
“I don’t know how I will live without him… My wounded heart is still waiting for him to walk into the house.”
Tributes poured in from colleagues, community members, and strangers moved by the brutality of his death.
Impact and Wider Issues
The case underscores serious concerns around the safety of courier workers. Many delivery drivers face increasing incidents of van theft, street violence, and heightened risk—especially as more drivers use personal vehicles with minimal backup from employers.
In Summary
• Victim: Claudiu‑Carol Kondor, 42
• Date/Location: 20 August 2024, Armley, Leeds
• Perpetrator: Mark Ross, 32
• Crime: Van theft leading to murder (dragged victim to death)
• Verdict/Sentence: Murder conviction (March 2025); life in prison with 30‑year minimum term (sentenced 14 March 2025)
• Legacy: A devoted partner and hard-working professional, Kondor’s murder provoked calls for better protection and systemic changes in delivery services.
This devastating event remains a powerful reminder of the dangers many gig-economy workers routinely face—and of the urgent need for enhanced safety measures across the industry.
Attached is a news article regarding a Amazon driver
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cpv4002l991o.amp
Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley
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