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SENTENCED: Uber driver jailed for five years after fatally striking passenger following Basildon journey
An Uber driver has been jailed for five years after fatally striking a passenger shortly after dropping him outside his home in Basildon.
Hayadulla Turkmani, 53, was sentenced at Basildon Crown Court on Wednesday 21 October after being convicted of causing death by dangerous driving.
The court also disqualified Turkmani from driving for seven-and-a-half years, Essex Police confirmed.
The sentence follows a 15-day trial in which jurors found Turkmani guilty of dangerous driving but acquitted him of murder and manslaughter.
Michael Ashton, 28, suffered fatal injuries after being struck by the vehicle that had transported him and his girlfriend home following an evening out on 26 September 2025.
The incident occurred in Langdon Hills, Essex, shortly after the couple arrived outside their home.
Ashton was taken to hospital in a critical condition but died from his injuries eight days later, on 4 October.
Police said an argument developed after Ashton became unwell during the journey.
Investigators subsequently established that Turkmani had driven dangerously and collided with Ashton.
Turkmani initially told officers attending the scene that Ashton had walked in front of his vehicle. Police said their investigation established that this account was inconsistent with the evidence.
During sentencing, Judge Samantha Cohen said Turkmani had failed to pay adequate attention to Ashton’s whereabouts.
The judge sentenced Turkmani on the basis that he had not known Ashton was directly in front of the vehicle when he drove forward.
The judge nevertheless found that Turkmani had shown a serious disregard for the danger created by his driving.
Turkmani had argued during the trial that he was frightened following an altercation and had struck Ashton while attempting to escape.
The court heard that Ashton was dragged beneath the vehicle and suffered serious injuries, including head trauma.
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.
"I want to pay tribute to Michael's family who have suffered an imaginable loss and have shown dignity and strength throughout this difficult time.”
