An unlicensed driver who killed a 21-year-old motorcyclist while attempting a U-turn to go to the toilet has been jailed for over two years.
Garry Arnold, 58, from Banstead, was driving a van on Ranmore Common Road in Dorking, Surrey, when he attempted a dangerous manoeuvre on 4 November 2022, cutting across traffic into a gravel area. He collided with Ben Holmes, a young motorcyclist, who tragically died at the scene despite desperate attempts by bystanders and paramedics to save his life.
Ben, a recent Kingston University graduate, had plans to move to Australia in December to begin a year-long work placement in building surveying. His life was cut short just weeks before his scheduled departure.
Tragic Mistake and Deceit
A police investigation found that Arnold, who had his driving licence revoked, did not complete the turn in time and failed to consider the speed of the oncoming motorbike. In a further attempt to evade justice, Arnold gave officers a false name and date of birth at the scene.
He later pleaded guilty to:
- Causing death by careless driving
- Causing death while driving unlicensed
- Perverting the course of justice
At a sentencing hearing this week, Arnold was jailed for two years and four months.
A Life Lost Too Soon
Ben Holmes’ devastated parents, Stephen and Eleanor Holmes, described their son as “a warm and loving young man” and said his death had left the family “heartbroken beyond comprehension.”
“Ben made us proud every single day. He was full of life and truly amazing,” they said. “His sudden death has left a void in our family that can never be filled.”
They also extended their thanks to Surrey Police for what they called a “determined” and “compassionate” investigation.
Police Condemn Reckless Driving
Investigating Officer Amilia Bishop, from Surrey Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said:
“Arnold not only performed a manoeuvre which he simply did not have the time to do, he then deliberately misled officers to cover up the fact that his licence had been revoked.”
“His actions have robbed a family of their son and they will live with that pain forever.”
She praised the members of the public who stopped to help and the emergency services who responded swiftly, adding:
“I hope the sentence sends a clear message: dangerous driving has consequences—and those who break the law will be held accountable.”
Ben’s tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of careless and illegal driving, with calls now growing for stricter enforcement on disqualified drivers and greater road safety awareness.
