A TAXI driver who drove into his passenger moments after dropping him to his Basildon home has been jailed after being found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving.

Essex Police launched an investigation after Michael Ashton was hit by the car which had just brought him back to his Langdon Hills home following an evening out with his girlfriend.

Meticulous enquiries by detectives showed the defendant had driven in a dangerous manner and hit the victim with his car.

The 28-year-old was taken to hospital, following the incident on Friday 26 September last year, in a critical condition. Sadly, Michael didn't recover from his injuries and died on Saturday 4 October.

Hayadulla Turkmani, 53, of Langdale Gardens, Hornchurch, was arrested on suspicion of murder and charged with the offence on Friday 17 October 2025.

The sequence of events

Detectives from Essex Police serious crime directorate worked closely with collision and technical experts to work out the sequence of events.

Their investigations showed that Turkmani drove dangerously and collided with Michael.

He told officers who were first on the scene that Michael had walked in front of his car, but investigations proved that this was not the case.

Following 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.

He was sentenced to five years in jail at the same court.

He was also banned from driving for seven-and-a-half years.

A horrific incident

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."

He was loved by everyone and had such a kind soul

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."