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Mark Ross has been convicted of the murder of Amazon delivery driver Claudiu-Carol Kondor. The prosecution team was led by John Harrison KC and junior counsel James Lake, alongside the CPS and West Yorkshire Police. The whole prosecution team worked tirelessly to secure justice in a case that has received nationwide publicity.
From the outset, the prosecution faced a challenging task. Ross, who had a history of criminal activity, admitted to manslaughter but denied murder, claiming he was unaware that Kondor was clinging to the stolen van. However, the prosecuting team pieced together compelling evidence to expose Ross’s ‘blatant disregard’ for human life.
The prosecution presented CCTV footage, forensic evidence, eyewitness evidence and expert collision evidence. The footage showed Ross driving at dangerous speeds through residential areas, deliberately swerving to shake Kondor off, before colliding with parked cars in an attempt to dislodge him.
In court, the prosecution dismantled Ross’s defence, proving that his actions were intentional and displayed a clear indifference to whether Kondor lived or died. Their persuasive arguments led the jury to reject Ross’s plea of manslaughter and convict him of murder.
The conviction was the result of outstanding collaboration between prosecutors, investigators, and forensic collision specialists. West Yorkshire Police played a crucial role in gathering and analysing evidence, while the CPS ensured that the legal case was watertight. Trial counsel, John Harrison KC and James Lake sealed the process to bringing Ross to justice.
Detective Chief Inspector Sam Freeman, who led the investigation, praised the prosecution team for their determination:
“This was a deeply distressing case, and the prosecution worked tirelessly to ensure Mark Ross was held fully accountable for his actions. Their dedication and attention to detail left no room for doubt.”
A spokesperson for the CPS stated:
“This conviction demonstrates our unwavering commitment to seeking justice for victims. We will not allow criminals to evade responsibility for their actions, and we will continue to prosecute with the full weight of the law.”
Ross was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 30 years, in other words, after the expiry of the minimum term the parole board will decide if he is safe to be released. The court heard moving evidence from Mr. Kondor’s fiancé who explained how Mr. Kondor had worked hard all his adult life. Only weeks before he was murdered he had finally been able to buy the van he used for his deliveries. The same van that he clung on to as it was driven away by a thief leading to his death.
The successful outcome of the trial is a credit to the tireless efforts of the prosecution, whose dedication ensured that Kondor’s family saw justice served.
Chambers is centrally located within walking distance of the train station, secure car parks and the Courts.
St Pauls Chambers
Park Row House
19-20 Park Row
Leeds
LS1 5JF
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Phone: +44 (0)1132 455 866
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