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Van Driver Jailed for Nine Years Over A31 Crash That Killed Cyclist Aran Potkin

Phone analysis proved central to the case, prompting police warnings about mobile use at the wheel.

Overview

  • Matthew Marston, 41, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and was sentenced at Kingston Crown Court on December 3.
  • He received a 13-year driving disqualification with an extended retest in addition to the custodial term.
  • Investigators found significant phone activity around the time of the crash, including Maps searches and WhatsApp messages, to which Marston replied "no comment" in interview.
  • CCTV review and a road reconstruction indicated Aran Potkin, 40, was visible for up to 200 metres due to hi-visibility clothing and bike lights.
  • Police bodycam captured Marston asking "What's happened? Have I hit him?" after officers found him about 800 metres from the scene; he already had 12 licence points, including six for using a phone while driving.