A tragic incident unfolded on the A31 in Farnham, Surrey, when a van driver, Matthew Marston, struck and killed cyclist Aran Potkin. Marston, 41, was sentenced to nine years in prison for causing the fatal crash. The victim’s wife, Poppy Potkin, emotionally described her late husband as intelligent, challenging, and incredibly handsome during the sentencing.
The collision was witnessed by a member of the public who reported seeing Marston’s van swerve before the impact. Police found Marston near the crash site, where he seemed unaware of the collision, claiming he thought his engine had malfunctioned. Body-cam footage captured Marston asking if he had hit someone, while evidence later revealed his significant phone use around the time of the incident.
Marston, who had accumulated 12 points on his license, including six for mobile phone use while driving, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving. He was handed a nine-year prison sentence and a 13-year driving ban with a mandatory retest.
Poppy Potkin expressed the profound loss she and her family felt since Aran’s untimely death. She praised the police for their dedication and compassion during the investigation, remembering Aran as a caring, fun-loving individual who was humble and always willing to help others.
Surrey Police’s Investigating Officer, Charley Spriegel, extended condolences to the Potkin family, emphasizing the devastating impact of the tragedy and urging drivers to recognize the dangers of using mobile phones while behind the wheel. The poignant reminder serves as a sobering lesson for all motorists to prioritize safety on the roads to prevent similar heartbreaking incidents.