Hayadulla Turkmani has been cleared of murder and manslaughter and convicted of causing death by dangerous driving, after his passenger was struck outside a home in Langdon Hills.
Turkmani, 53, of Langdale Gardens in Hornchurch, had dropped Michael Ashton, 28, and Ashton's partner in Rosecroft Close on 26 September 2025. Ashton died on 4 October 2025. BBC News reported the verdicts on 20 October 2026. TaxiFeed reported the opening of the trial on 6 October: Uber driver denies murder after passenger death, court told.
Outside the house
Ashton and his partner, Sophie Caroll, had been out for dinner and drinks. They got into Turkmani's Toyota Prius at Frankie's Wine Bar in Hornchurch at about 23:30. Ashton was sick on the way home. Prosecutors told Basildon Crown Court that Turkmani then ran him over in anger. Doorbell footage played to the jury captured Ashton shouting "whoa, whoa, whoa" shortly before midnight.
Ray Green, a neighbour, watched the car hit Ashton at "incredible speed", drag him underneath, reverse, and strike him again.
"At that stage, I closed my curtains, and I said to myself 'What have I just witnessed?'"
Green then went to help. The collision injured Ashton's leg and brain. He never regained consciousness. He worked for the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Council.
Caroll fetched baby wipes after he was sick, then realised he was under the car. She was hysterical, screamed, and called an ambulance.
Turkmani told the court he had sworn at Ashton, who turned and began "running towards me". He was panicking and frightened, and did not see Ashton near the car as he drove away. He told the first officers that Ashton had walked in front of the car. The Yellow Advertiser reported that the investigation found that was not what happened, and that Turkmani was arrested on suspicion of murder and charged on 17 October 2025.
The verdicts
Jurors unanimously acquitted Turkmani of murder and manslaughter after about two and a half days of deliberations, the Echo reported. They convicted him of causing death by dangerous driving.
People in the public gallery cried and shouted "No! No!" Judge Samantha Cohen told them to be quiet or leave, and said she would not pass sentence at once.
"Be quiet please everybody, otherwise you will have to leave."
"Thank you very much for your efforts. These sorts of cases are always difficult. It is an important public duty that each of you has undertaken."
Sentencing is due at Basildon Crown Court on Wednesday 21 October.
Essex Police
Detective Inspector Stewart Eastbrook said it 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."
Ashton's loved ones were left devastated by the needless loss.