Man jailed for girlfriend's death and false hit-and-run claim

A man has been jailed for more than nine years after causing the death of his girlfriend in a van and then falsely claiming she was killed by a hit-and-run driver. Matthew DuPlessis, 35, was sentenced to nine years and three months at Chester Crown Court on August 28, 2026, after admitting to causing death by careless driving while unfit through drugs and perverting the course of justice. The incident occurred in the early hours of September 23, 2023, in Congleton, Cheshire. DuPlessis and his girlfriend, Charlotte Dodd, also 35, had visited Blackpool earlier that day. Neighbours later reported hearing the couple arguing upon their return. At approximately 1:30 a.m., they left Ms.