Published: 01:41 BST, 31 August 2026 | Updated: 03:16 BST, 31 August 2026
A man has been jailed for causing the death of his girlfriend after claiming she had been struck in a hit-and-run.
Matthew DuPlessis was sentenced to nine years and three months after admitting causing death by careless driving while unfit through drugs and to perverting the course of justice.
Neighbours heard the 35-year-old and his girlfriend, Charlotte Dodd, also 35, arguing at her home on September 23, 2023, Chester Crown Court heard.
At 1.30am the next day the couple left in his van. Ms Dodd later fell from the moving vehicle and was fatally injured as she hit the road in Congleton, Cheshire, police said.
A passerby stopped his car when he saw her in the road with DuPlessis sat on a grass verge behind her.
DuPlessis, from Crewe, insisted he and his girlfriend were out walking after a drinking session and a dark-coloured vehicle had struck her and fled.
However, a police officer recognised DuPlessis's name and knew he drove a white van similar to one parked at the scene.
In 2024, the defendant admitted driving with excess cocaine and was banned for three years. But the investigation into Ms Dodd's death continued.
Matthew DuPlessis who has been jailed for causing the death of his girlfriend after initially lying and saying she had been struck in a hit and run
DuPlessis admitted to police that she had repeatedly threatened to jump out of the vehicle, but did not.
He refused to say how she came to leave the van, police said, but CCTV along Padgbury Lane showed the driver door shut with an interior light on, indicating that the passenger door was open.
DuPlessis told police Ms Dodd had opened the passenger door as she wanted to get out, the force said.
The video showed the van continuing a further 195 metres at an average speed of 19mph.
Forensic analysis found the van was over the centre line of the carriageway as the defendant went to turn left into Arnside Avenue and Ms Dodd left the vehicle at that junction.
