A man described as a recurring offender has been sentenced to life in prison, with the minimum term set at 30 years, for the murder of a diligent Amazon delivery driver who attempted to stop him from stealing his van.
In August of the previous year, Claudiu-Carol Kondor faced a harrowing situation when a thief, identified as 42-year-old Klaus Condor, boarded his vehicle in the Armley district of Leeds while Kondor was on his salary. This thief drove at dangerous speeds, reaching up to 60mph in residential areas, swerving wildly, and eventually hit two stationary cars in an attempted breakaway from Kondor.
Significant injuries to Kondor’s head, chest, and brain were sustained, including severe damage to his aorta, ultimately leading to his death. Mr Justice James Goss stated that Kondor suffered 60 distinct injuries. The court concluded that the victim’s last moments must have been filled with terror as he clung to the moving van.
In addressing Ross during the sentencing, the judge highlighted the severity and callousness of the act, resulting in the loss of a highly respected and diligent individual. The court also acknowledged Ross’s tumultuous past and criminal history, noting that the motive was primarily financial.
Kondor’s fiancee, Mariana Gheorghe, expressed her despair in a victim impact statement, sharing that Kondor had persevered through a challenging childhood in Romania before leaving at 19 to seek opportunity and work as a volunteer aiding earthquake victims. He later moved to England in 2019, pursuing employment as a delivery driver and security guard, having fulfilled his dream of owning a van just before the attack.
Gheorghe emphasized Kondor’s dedication to his job and his satisfaction in meeting his daily responsibilities.
The public is reminded of the importance of the morning briefing email, which summarizes the day’s key news stories, and the Privacy Notice regarding newsletters.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/mar/14/man-found-guilty-of-murdering-amazon-driver-in-leeds-jailed-for-life
