Matthew DuPlessis, 35, of Richard Darrock Way, Crewe, has been sentenced to 111 months in prison after pleading guilty to causing death by careless driving while unfit through drugs and perverting the course of justice. The sentence follows the death of Charlotte Dodd, a mother-of-two, who lost her life on Padgbury Lane, in Congleton, in the early hours of 23 September 2023.
DuPlessis initially fabricated a series of lies in an attempt to protect himself, falsely claiming that Charlotte had been struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver while he was urinating nearby. This account was subsequently dismissed by Cheshire Police, who established that the couple had been embroiled in a heated argument in DuPlessis' van before Charlotte exited the moving vehicle and fell onto the road.
Family's statement at Chester Crown Court
Following the Chester Crown Court hearing, Charlotte's family released a statement expressing their ongoing pain and frustration. They said: "This three-year journey through a police investigation and legal process 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 thanked everyone involved in the police investigation, saying: "We would like to thank everyone who has worked on and contributed to the police investigation. We admire the determination and the tireless efforts made to consider every possibility and to get to the truth, in a very difficult case. We would also like to thank our family and friends for the comfort and support they have provided. You need to know it made a difference."
Unanswered questions remain
The family highlighted the impact of DuPlessis's deception, stating: "It has taken so long to reach a crown court sentence hearing. Due to the lies and deception by one person from the very beginning, thereby perverting the course of justice, we still do not know the full truth of what really happened to Charlotte. There are no witnesses. There are some questions that remain unanswered, and we will have to live with those questions for the rest of our lives."
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 away, stolen her future. For us, no custodial sentence or punishment will ever be enough."
Remembering Charlotte
In their statement, the family remembered Charlotte fondly: "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."
The case was reported by Stoke on Trent Live. DuPlessis's sentence of 111 months reflects the severity of the offences, which included perverting the course of justice from the very beginning of the investigation.
