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Van Driver Gets Nine Years for A31 Cyclist Death After Phone Use Evidence

Court evidence tied the crash to mobile phone distraction, resulting in a 13-year driving ban.

Overview

  • Matthew Marston, 41, was sentenced at Kingston Crown Court to nine years in prison and disqualified from driving for 13 years with an extended retest.
  • Police said phone analysis showed Marston unlocked his device, searched Maps and sent WhatsApp messages around the time of the October 24, 2023 collision near Runfold.
  • Investigators using CCTV, collision-site analysis and a road reconstruction concluded cyclist Aran Potkin, 40, was visible for up to 200 metres thanks to hi‑vis clothing and lights.
  • Bodycam video captured Marston asking officers, “What’s happened?” and “Have I hit him?” after he was found about 800 metres from the scene next to his damaged van.
  • Marston had 12 penalty points at the time, including six for using a mobile phone while driving; he pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving on October 6, 2025.