Son killed by driver was warm and loving - parents

The family of a 21-year-old motorcyclist killed in a crash with an unlicensed driver say he was a "warm and loving young man".

Ben Holmes was planning to work in Australia for a year, having completed his degree, when he was killed in Dorking in November 2022.

The driver of the van, Garry Arnold, 57, of Picquets Way, Banstead, was sentenced to two years and four months in prison on Tuesday.

He previously pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving, causing death by driving a vehicle while unlicensed and perverting the course of justice.

Stephen and Eleanor Holmes, Ben's parents, said in a statement: "His death hit our family so hard and beyond all comprehension.

"It's indescribable. We never thought we would lose our son so young, leaving behind his brother."

Surrey Police said Arnold had decided to pull over as he needed to use the toilet and was making a right turn onto a gravel area off Ranmore Common Road.

But he had failed to take the time required to complete the turn and the speed of the motorbike into account, police said.

At the scene, he gave officers a false name and date of birth, the force said, doing so because it later transpired he held a revoked license at the time of the collision.

As well as the prison sentence, he was also disqualified from driving for two years and ordered to take an extended test.

Ben's parents said their son made them proud "every single day".

"He was truly an amazing person, full of life and a warm and loving young man," they added.

He had finished his building surveying degree at Kingston University and had his visa and flights booked to go to Australia to work for a year.

The family, from Ashtead, said he was due to leave in late December before the crash on 4 November 2022.

Investigating Officer Amilia Bishop, from the serious collision investigation unit, said: "Our thoughts remain with Ben Holmes' family and friends at this very difficult time – no family should ever have to endure the loss they have suffered."

She thanked members of public who stopped at the scene to call emergency services and provided first aid.

"Officers and paramedics who attended tried desperately to save Ben's life that day by performing CPR on Ben at the scene but sadly their efforts were unsuccessful," she added.

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, and on X. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.