Man, 32, pleads guilty to killing Amazon driver ‘dragged for half-a-mile to his death by stolen van’ – but denies murder
A MAN has pleaded guilty to killing an Amazon driver who was dragged for half-a-mile to his death when his van was stolen.
Claudiu-Carol Kondor, 42, was killed in Wortley, West Yorkshire, in August while making a delivery.
Mark Ross, 32, appeared at Leeds Crown Court today where he admitted manslaughter.
But he will still stand trial for murder after pleading not guilty to the charge.
Ross was remanded into custody to next appear at the same court for his trial on March 4.
An inquest previously heard how Claudiu-Carol was "a Romanian gentleman who was contributing to society" when he was killed.
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His cause of death was given as head and chest injuries.
Senior coroner Kevin McLoughlin said the tragic case involved the "violent and unnatural death of a valued citizen" as he adjourned the inquest.
The horror unfolded as Claudiu-Carol allegedly found a man behind the wheel of his Ford van when he returned from delivering a parcel.
He was dragged for half-a-mile when the van sped off while he clung desperately to the passenger door.
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Footage showed the vehicle slamming into parked cars before the delivery driver was flung into the road.
Claudiu, who was engaged to his long-term partner, tragically couldn't be saved and was declared dead at the scene.
Tributes flooded in for the driver after a set up by his colleagues reached more than £20,000.
It read: "It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of the loss of our beloved colleague.
"Claudiu was a dedicated and cherished member of the SP Transport Group family, who tragically lost his life during a struggle that occurred in the midst of a van theft.
"This unimaginable loss has left us all devastated.
"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."
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A 24-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder was released on bail pending further inquiries.
Police also held a woman on suspicion of assisting an offender but she has been released under investigation.
