A driver has been handed a nine-year prison sentence for causing death by dangerous driving after a fatal collision in Farnham last October.
Tragic Crash on A31 Kills Cyclist
Police were called to the A31 westbound near Runfold at 8.55pm on 24 October 2023. A white Renault Trafic van had smashed into 40-year-old cyclist Aran Potkin, who sadly died at the scene. The cyclist was clearly visible up to 200 metres away, wearing hi-vis clothing and lights.
A witness said the van was driving in the inside lane before suddenly swerving right. Officers found the damaged van about 800 metres from the crash site, with driver Matthew Marston, 41, slumped on the roadside barrier.
Driver Caught Using Phone While Driving
Marston claimed he thought his engine exploded and was unaware of the crash. However, forensic analysis showed heavy mobile phone use at the time, including searches on Maps and multiple WhatsApp messages. When questioned by police, Marston refused to comment.
Lengthy Sentence Reflects Dangerous Driving Past
At Kingston Crown Court on 3 December, Marston pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving. He was jailed for nine years and banned from driving for 13 years, with an extended retest mandatory before regaining his licence.
The court considered Marston’s driving record, which included six penalty points for using a phone while driving and a total of 12 points, narrowly avoiding an earlier ban.
Investigating Officer Charley Spriegel said: “My thoughts are with the family of Aran Potkin, who have been left heartbroken by this avoidable tragedy. This outcome will not change the fact that Aran’s life was cut so unfairly short.
“This serves as a stark warning to all drivers: using a mobile phone behind the wheel can have horrific consequences. You might think it won’t happen to you, but you could be the cause of a family’s devastating loss.”
