A Farnham man has been sentenced to nine years in prison for causing death by dangerous driving following a fatal collision in October 2023.
Matthew Marston, 41, of North Baddesley, pleaded guilty to causing the death of 40-year-old cyclist Aran Potkin on 24th October 2023. The collision occurred on the A31 westbound near Runfold. Potkin tragically died at the scene.
Witnesses reported seeing Marston’s white Renault Trafic van swerve while driving, and police later located him sitting on a roadside barrier about 800 metres from the collision with damage to the van. Marston claimed he was unaware of the collision, thinking instead that his engine had exploded.
Forensic analysis revealed that Marston had been using his phone around the time of the crash, including sending messages and using Maps. CCTV footage, collision reconstruction, and visibility analysis confirmed that Potkin would have been clearly visible for up to 200 metres.
At Kingston Crown Court on 3rd December 2025, Marston was sentenced to nine years in prison and disqualified from driving for 13 years, with an extended driving retest required. Aggravating factors included his previous driving endorsements, including six points for using a mobile phone while driving, bringing his total to 12 points on his licence at the time.
Investigating Officer Charley Spriegel from Surrey Police said:
“This should serve as a harrowing reminder that using a mobile phone behind the wheel can have horrific consequences. A family has lost a husband, father, son, and brother.”
Aran Potkin is survived by his wife Poppy and their two children, as well as his parents and siblings. Poppy paid tribute to her late husband, describing him as caring, fun, and a natural sportsman whose life was tragically cut short.
