Driver Jailed for Nine Years After Cyclist Killed on A31
A driver has been locked up for nine years after causing a fatal crash on the A31 in Farnham last October. Matthew Marston, 41, was sentenced for causing death by dangerous driving following the death of cyclist Aran Potkin.
Fatal Smash on A31: Cyclist Killed Despite Hi-Vis Gear
Police rushed to the A31 westbound near Runfold at 8.55pm on 24 October 2023 after a white Renault Trafic van struck 40-year-old Aran Potkin. The cyclist, wearing hi-vis clothing and lights, was clearly visible up to 200 metres away but died at the scene.
- A witness said the van was in the inside lane before suddenly swerving right.
- The damaged van was found 800 metres from the crash site.
- Marston was found slumped against a roadside barrier nearby.
Driver Caught Constantly Using Phone During Crash
Marston claimed he didn’t realise he’d hit anyone, thinking his engine exploded. But forensic evidence showed heavy mobile phone use at the time, including map searches and multiple WhatsApp messages. Marston refused to comment when questioned by police.
Jail Time and Long Driving Ban for Repeat Offender
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 the roads for 13 years. He will also face an extended driving retest before he can get his licence back.
The court noted Marston’s bad driving record: he already had 12 penalty points, including six for using a phone while driving, narrowly escaping 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.”
