
An Uber driver who drove his car into a passenger after the man vomited in his vehicle has been sentenced to five years in prison following a trial at Basildon Crown Court.
Hayadulla Turkmani, 53, from Hornchurch, was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving after a 15-day trial. The jury acquitted the private hire driver of murder and manslaughter.
The court heard that Michael Ashton, 28, and his girlfriend were returning home to Langdon Hills, Essex, after an evening out in September 2025. During the journey, Michael became unwell and vomited over himself inside the vehicle.
Infuriated by this, Turkmani dropped the couple off and drove his car directly into Michael moments later, inflicting catastrophic head and leg injuries. Michael was rushed to hospital in a critical condition but died on 4 October 2025 having never regained consciousness.
Turkmani initially lied to Essex Police officers by claiming Michael had walked out in front of the vehicle. However, a detailed investigation involving collision specialists and technical experts disproved his claim and established that he had deliberately driven at the victim.
Turkmani denied murder, manslaughter and causing death by dangerous driving throughout the trial, but was convicted of the dangerous driving charge and subsequently sentenced to five years' imprisonment on Wednesday 21 October.
Detective Inspector Stewart Eastbrook said: "This was a horrific incident. Michael and his girlfriend were returning home after a night out and it was the defendant's job to deliver them home safely. Instead he reacted angrily after Michael became unwell and this escalated into violence and Michael was fatally injured. Michael's family, girlfriend and friends have been left devastated by the needless loss."
Paying tribute to him, Michael's family described him as "the most hardworking, fun, loving, and likeable person that anyone could wish to meet", adding that: "he didn't have a bad bone in his body."
They stated: "Michael was loved by everyone and had such a kind soul." They added that they take comfort in knowing "how many lives he brightened just by being himself."

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