Uber driver cleared of murdering vomiting passenger in Essex

An Uber driver has been found not guilty of murdering a passenger who vomited in his car, but has been found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving.

Hayadulla Turkmani, 53, crashed into Michael Ashton, 28, moments after dropping him and his partner outside their home in Langdon Hills, Essex.

The couple had been out for dinner and drinks together that night on 26 September 2025, the trial at Basildon Crown Court heard.

Turkmani, of Langdale Gardens in Hornchurch, east London is due to be sentenced on Wednesday.

Prosecutors alleged Turkmani ran over Ashton in anger after the victim was sick in his Toyota Prius.

In CCTV footage played to the jury, Ashton could be heard shouting “whoa, whoa, whoa” moments after arriving home, shortly before midnight.

Turkmani’s car struck him at “incredible speed”, dragging him under the car, before reversing and striking him again, a neighbour who witnessed it told the trial.

“At that stage, I closed my curtains, and I said to myself ‘What have I just witnessed?’,” said Ray Green, who then ran to help.