Understand
Uber driver fatally ran over passenger in panic after vomiting dispute, court hears
Overview
An Uber driver is on trial at Basildon Crown Court accused of murdering a 28-year-old passenger in Langdon Hills, Essex. The defendant, Hayadulla Turkmani, claims he was panicking and frightened when he accidentally struck Michael Ashton after an argument broke out because Ashton vomited in the vehicle. Ashton suffered fatal head and leg injuries and died eight days after the incident.
Key points
- Uber driver Hayadulla Turkmani is on trial at Basildon Crown Court denying the murder of 28-year-old Michael Ashton.
- The incident occurred in Langdon Hills, Essex, in September 2025 after Ashton vomited in the car during the journey home.
- Turkmani stated he gave Ashton an ultimatum to clean the vomit or face an Uber charge, leading to a heated exchange.
- The defendant claimed he panicked and reversed to escape after Ashton charged at his vehicle, stating he did not see him.
- Prosecution and witnesses alleged the driver accelerated quickly towards Ashton, causing fatal injuries from which Ashton died eight days later.