SHAME SHAME


FIVE YEARS’ JAIL FOR LONDON UBER DRIVER WHO DROVE AT AND FATALLY INJURED HIS PASSENGER


An Uber driver who drove his car into a passenger after the man vomited in his car has been sentenced to five years’ jail follow- ing a trial at Basildon Crown Court. Hayadulla Turkmani, 53, from Hornchurch, was found guilty of causing death by


dangerous


driving after a 15-day trial. The jury acquitted the private hire driver of murder and manslaughter. The court heard that Michael Ashton, 28, and his girlfriend were returning home after an evening out in September 2025. During the journey, Michael became unwell and vomited over himself inside the vehicle. Infuriated by this, Turkmani dropped the couple off and drove his car directly into Michael


moments later, inflicting catastrophic head and leg injuries. Michael was rushed to hospital in a critical condition but died on 4 October 2025 having never regained consciousness. Turkmani initially lied to Essex Police officers by claiming Michael had walked out in front of the vehicle. However, a detailed investigation involving collision specialists and technical experts disproved his claim and


established that he had deliberately driven at the victim. Turkmani denied murder, manslaughter and causing death by dangerous driving throughout the trial, but was convicted of the dangerous driving charge and subsequently sentenced to five years’ imprisonment on 21 October. DI Stewart Eastbrook said: “This was a horrific incident. It was the defendant’s job to deliver Michael and his girlfriend home safely. Instead he reacted angrily after Michael became unwell and this escalated into violence


and


Michael’s fatal injury.” Paying tribute to him, Michael’s family said that they take comfort in knowing “how many lives he brightened just by being himself.”


LIVERPOOL CABBIE JAILED FOR 38 MONTHS AFTER BEING CAUGHT COURIERING PINK KETAMINE


A cabbie was jailed for 38 months on October 1 after being caught couriering a kilogram of drugs to pay off gambling debts. Peter McFadden, 55, a boxing coach and taxi driver from Norris Green, came to the attention of police in June when he was pulled over for speeding. Officers noticed a strong smell of cannabis and saw him trying to hide an object under his seat. Prosecuting, Iain Criddle explained that McFadden was “reluctant to get out of the car and appeared to be nervous” before confessing he had a “kilogram of pink ketamine” in his possession. Police recovered two packages weighing a


PHTM NOVEMBER 2026


combined 995g of the drug, also known as tusi, which is a mix- ture of ecstasy and ketamine. A subsequent search


of


McFadden’s home uncovered £11,250 in cash hidden inside a wardrobe. McFadden claimed that he fell into substantial debt due to his own cocaine addiction and gambling habit. While visiting a bookmakers, he said he was propositioned by a mystery man and agreed to work as a courier to pay off his debts, receiving a payment of £100 for


his services. Defending, John Weate told Liverpool Crown Court that his client had previously volunteered as a boxing coach and had never served a custodial sentence. Sentencing McFadden after he pleaded guilty to possession of MDMA with intent to supply and possession of criminal property, Recorder Nicola Daley stated: “Those who traffic substances profit from the addiction, misery and degradation of users. The effects extend beyond those immediate users and contribute towards other crimes, violence, family breakdown, ill health and pressure on public services.”


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