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Uber driver faces sentence after being found guilty of killing passenger outside Basildon home
A 53-year-old Uber driver has been found guilty of causing the death of a passenger he struck with his car moments after dropping him at his home in Basildon.
Hayadulla Turkmani was convicted after a 15-day trial at Basildon Crown Court. The jury found him not guilty of murder and manslaughter, charges he had also denied.
The case followed an incident on Friday 26 September last year, when Michael Ashton, 28, was hit by the car that had brought him home to Langdon Hills after an evening out with his girlfriend.
Ashton was taken to hospital in a critical condition. He died on Saturday 4 October after failing to recover from his injuries.
Essex Police said detectives from its serious crime directorate worked with collision and technical experts to establish the sequence of events. Their investigation concluded that Turkmani had driven dangerously and collided with Ashton.
Turkmani told officers at the scene that Ashton had walked in front of his car, police said. Investigators found that this was not the case.
Turkmani was arrested on suspicion of murder and charged with the offence on Friday 17 October 2025. He was subsequently tried on charges of murder, manslaughter and causing death by dangerous driving.
He is due to be sentenced at Basildon Crown Court 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.
"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.”
Michael's family paid tribute to him after he died: “Michael was the most hardworking, fun, loving, and likeable person that anyone could wish to meet.
“He was dearly loved by his family, his girlfriend, and the endless list of friends he had. He is also very much missed by his workmates at the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham Council.
“He will be sadly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him.
“Michael had the most beautiful aura and lit up every room he entered with his handsome looks, his smile, and his warm personality.
“He was loved by everyone and had such a kind soul - he didn’t have a bad bone in his body.
“Michael’s family are devastated and grieving at this traumatic and deeply sad time.
“They take comfort in knowing how loved he was and how many lives he brightened just by being himself.”
