Inquest told of violent death of delivery driver

Claudiu-Carol Kondor lived in Sheffield but was originally from Romania

A delivery driver killed as he tried to stop someone stealing his van "paid an immensely high price" for his actions, a coroner has said.

Claudiu-Carol Kondor, who was 42, was left fatally injured on Heights Drive in Leeds on 20 August after "endeavouring to stop a crime taking place", a brief hearing into his death was told.

The opening of the inquest, held at Wakefield Coroner's Court, was told Mr Kondor lived in Sheffield but was originally from Romania.

A 32-year-old man from Leeds was charged with murdering Mr Kondor last month.

Describing the case as "heartbreaking", senior coroner Kevin McLoughlin said Mr Kondor had died from injuries to his head and chest.

It was said the delivery driver's family was making arrangements to have his body flown back to Romania for a funeral.

Mr McLoughlin said: "This Romanian gentleman was contributing to society. He was here and he was working hard.

"This is a violent and unnatural death of a valued citizen."

Mark Ross, of Conference Road in Armley, was charged with murdering Mr Kondor.

He is due to appear at Leeds Crown Court on 20 September.

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