A taxi driver who drove into his passenger moments after dropping him off at home has been found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving. Hayadulla Turkmani, 53, will be sentenced on Wednesday, October 21, following the verdict at Basildon Crown Court.
Incident and Investigation
Michael Ashton, 28, was hit by the car that had brought him back to his home in Langdon Hills after an evening out with his girlfriend last year. Essex Police launched an investigation, and enquiries showed that the taxi driver that night had driven in a dangerous manner and hit the victim with his car.
Mr Ashton was taken to hospital following the incident on September 26, 2025, in a critical condition and passed away from his injuries on October 4. Turkmani, of Langdale Gardens, Hornchurch, was arrested on suspicion of murder and charged with the offence on October 17.
Trial and Verdict
Investigations showed that Turkmani drove dangerously and collided with Mr Ashton. He told officers who were first on the scene that the deceased had walked in front of his car, but investigations proved that this was not the case.
After a 15-day trial at Basildon Crown Court, the jury found Turkmani guilty of causing death by dangerous driving. He had denied charges of murder, manslaughter and causing death by dangerous driving. The jury found him not guilty of murder or manslaughter.
Family Tributes
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."
After he died, Mr Ashton's family remembered him as "the most hardworking, fun, loving, and likeable person that anyone could wish to meet." They added: "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."
