A drug driver who lied to police about how his girlfriend died after she leapt from his moving van has been jailed. Mum-of-two Charlotte Dodd was fatally injured after jumping out of the vehicle in Padgbury Lane, Congleton, in the early hours of September 24, 2023.
She and boyfriend Matthew DuPlessis had been to Blackpool the day before, but once home they were overheard arguing by neighbours. Ms Dodd and DuPlessis, 35, left her home at 1.30am and drove around Congleton in his van where they continued to row before she jumped out, according to Cheshire Police.
Driver stopped to help
Another driver stopped when he saw Ms Dodd lying in the carriageway as DuPlessis, from Crewe, Cheshire, sat on a grass verge nearby. He told the man it was a hit and run while the witness called 999 and went on to perform CPR.
Det Ch Insp Dave Hutcheon from Cheshire Police said DuPlessis told witnesses at the scene, including his own parents, paramedics and police, that he and Ms Dodd had been walking along Padgbury Lane at the end of a night out drinking. He lied that Ms Dodd was dancing in the carriageway and when his back was turned to wee in a bush a dark coloured vehicle struck her before being driven off.
Investigation uncovers lies
Police launched an investigation at the scene and DuPlessis was treated as a witness and allowed to leave the scene with his parents. But a police roads officer recognised DuPlessis' name and his van, which was parked nearby. DuPlessis was later arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and for failing a roadside drug test. In 2024, he pleaded guilty to driving while on cocaine and was banned from driving for three years.
Detectives continued to investigate Ms Dodd's death, with DuPlessis eventually admitting she had threatened to jump out of his van, but he stopped and when she didn't leave he continued driving. He said Ms Dodd threatened to jump out four or five more times, but refused to say how she left the vehicle on the night she died.
Forensic analysis reveals truth
Forensics officers pieced together what happened instead, revealing DuPlessis was driving at an average of 32mph in Padgbury Lane. The first two CCTV cameras along the route showed the van was dark, but a third revealed a light on inside, which wasn't from a mobile phone. That light showed the passenger side door was open and the van kept going for another 195 metres at about 19mph.
Analysis revealed exactly where Ms Dodd leapt out, but police were unable to determine what exactly happened inside the van to cause her to leap. Det Ch Insp Hutcheon said after Ms Dodd left the vehicle, DuPlessis reversed the van and parked up, going to his girlfriend. He added: "He then concocted his story to cover up that he was responsible for her death. His lies were caught out by the roads policing officer and the detailed forensic analysis of his movements led to him having no option but to plead guilty. His actions tragically led to Charlotte’s death and changed her family’s life forever. Our hearts go out to them as they navigate the rest of their lives trying to cope with the devastating loss of someone they loved very much."
Sentencing and family statement
DuPlessis pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving while unfit through drugs and to perverting the course of justice. He was sentenced to nine years and three months at Chester Crown Court on Friday (August 28).
After sentencing, Ms Dodd's family said in a statement: "Today marks the end of a three-year journey through a police investigation and legal process that has changed our family lives forever. Throughout this period, we have quietly lived through the turmoil, the uncertainty and the heartbreak surrounding the circumstances of Charlotte’s death. We have each carried an indescribable pain of losing our daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece and friend, whilst also watching her two young girls try to come to terms with losing their mummy."
The family went on to thank the police, but noted that DuPlessis' lies and deception meant they still do not know what really happened to their loved one. They added: "Justice has now been served, yet we do not believe this reflects the enormity of what has been lost and the devastation that Charlotte’s death has caused. Charlotte has not been able to live her best life because one person has senselessly taken that life way, stolen her future. For us, no custodial sentence or punishment will ever be enough. Charlotte was deeply loved, is deeply loved and she always will be. She was the light of our lives. She was independent, smart, and creative. She always chose to see the best in people and would encourage everyone to be the best version of themselves every day. Her life was so much more than the circumstances of her death, and she will never be forgotten."
