A series of violent incidents related to drug use and theft were addressed in a court session in Truro on March 14, when Steven Smith, a 42-year-old from Weston-Super-Mare, was sentenced for a number of offences including theft, assault, and dangerous driving. The events transpired on December 6, 2022, when Smith took his mother’s car without permission while under the influence of drugs and drove into St Austell.

While in St Austell, Smith stole items from two stores, Poundland and Sports Direct. Upon being confronted by staff, he resorted to violence, attacking a manager from Sports Direct with a tin can he had stolen. After fleeing the scene, Smith drove towards Mevagissey on the wrong side of the road, ultimately leading to a head-on collision with another vehicle. The elderly driver of that vehicle sustained serious injuries, including a cracked sternum and ribs, and described his concern over potentially needing surgery as a result of the crash. He expressed his feelings about Smith’s actions, stating that it was “unacceptable” that Smith did not check on him after the collision.

Following the accident, Smith was apprehended by police after a brief pursuit. During his arrest, he became violent, threatening the officers and causing damage to a police van. Smith’s criminal history revealed 33 previous convictions for 56 offences, and he was on a 12-month community order at the time of the incidents.

In court, Smith’s solicitor, Philippa Harper, spoke on his behalf, noting that he did not excuse his behaviour but emphasised the influence of drugs on his actions that day. She mentioned that Smith experienced a “bad batch” of drugs that led to a confusion in his mind, which contributed to his lack of control. Harper also revealed that Smith had a troubled upbringing marked by abuse and bullying, and he is awaiting an assessment for autism and Asperger’s syndrome. The judge, His Honour Judge Simon Carr, acknowledged the gravity of the offences and the potential consequences that could have arisen from Smith’s behaviour. He sentenced Smith to 18 months in prison, with eligibility for release on licence after serving 40 per cent of the term, and also barred him from driving for 22 months and two weeks.

In a separate incident earlier in the year, Claudiu-Carol Kondor, a 42-year-old Amazon delivery driver, was killed in Leeds when Mark Ross, a 32-year-old with a prior criminal history, stole his van. On August 20, 2022, Kondor was delivering parcels in the Armley area when Ross drove away with his vehicle while he was away from it. In an attempt to stop the theft, Kondor clung to the vehicle as Ross accelerated and swerved to dislodge him. Tragically, after colliding with parked cars, Kondor sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene.

During the trial at Leeds Crown Court, evidence detailed the harrowing final moments of Kondor’s life, with witnesses recounting his desperate cries for help as he hung on to the moving van. Ross, who pleaded guilty to manslaughter, claimed ignorance of Kondor’s presence, but the jury found him guilty of murder. He was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 30 years. In her victim impact statement, Kondor’s fiancée Mariana Gheorghe described her profound sorrow following his death and highlighted his dedication to work and community efforts, reflecting on their shared dreams and aspirations that were cut short. The court hearings captured the tragic outcomes of both individuals’ actions, underscoring the severe repercussions stemming from crime and violence.

Source: Noah Wire Services