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Man, 35, who lied and said girlfriend’s death was hit and run jailed for her death
United Kingdom🏛️ PoliticsCenter9/3/2026

Man, 35, who lied and said girlfriend’s death was hit and run jailed for her death

Matthew DuPlessis, 35, was sentenced to nine years and three months in prison for his role in the death of his girlfriend, Charlotte Dodd, 35. Initially, DuPlessis lied to police, claiming that Dodd had been struck by a hit-and-run vehicle while they were walking. In reality, Dodd exited the van while it was moving, sustaining fatal injuries. DuPlessis had admitted to perverting the course of justice and causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drugs. During the incident, he falsely told witnesses, including his parents and paramedics, that they were walking and that a dark vehicle had struck Dodd. Later investigations revealed that DuPlessis had been driving under the influence and that Dodd had repeatedly threatened to exit the vehicle but did not. CCTV footage showed the van continued after Dodd left, and forensic analysis indicated the van was off-center before she exited. Dodd’s family expressed their grief and described the emotional toll of the case.

Daniel Levy, 48, has pleaded guilty to murdering Indian national Abdul Kaleem Shaik, 41, at his flat in Vauxhall, south London. On Wednesday, Levy admitted to the killing and handed himself in to police, stating: “It’s happened again.” This admission refers to a past incident in which he stabbed and set fire to his grandmother in July 2000. Levy, who suffers from schizophrenia, had previously been convicted of manslaughter by diminished responsibility and arson in October 2001. His criminal history includes the killing of his grandmother, for which he was found not guilty of murder due to his mental health condition. However, he was ordered to serve an indefinite hospital order. Following his release, he was monitored by mental health professionals and was reportedly compliant with his treatment, though he expressed skepticism about the necessity of medication. The current incident occurred on New Year’s Eve or early on New Year’s Day. According to the prosecution, Levy stabbed Mr Shaik in the neck with a large knife at his flat. CCTV footage confirmed that only the defendant and the victim were present at the flat on the evening of December 31. During a police interview on January 2, Levy explained that he had known Mr Shaik for years and had allowed him to stay in his flat. He claimed that Mr Shaik had become “very depressed” and was struggling emotionally. As a result, Levy believed he needed to assist him by ending his life, describing the act as akin to “securing his passage to heaven.” Levy was arrested and charged with Mr Shaik’s murder the following day. Police discovered the body of Mr Shaik on a makeshift bed with a stab wound and signs of bloodshed. A bloody knife was recovered from the premises. After confessing to the crime, Levy went to Bishopsgate police station shortly after 8pm on January 1. He told officers: “It’s happened again,” referencing the killing of his grandmother. Before entering his guilty plea, Judge Lynn Tayton KC questioned Levy to ensure he had sufficient time to consider his decision. Levy stated he preferred to plead guilty to avoid a trial and protect his personal information from public exposure. The judge ruled him fit to enter his plea. Defence barrister Michael Holland KC noted that Levy had never denied the killing and requested information regarding Mr Shaik’s mental state to assess the rationality of Levy’s justification for his actions. Levy is scheduled to be sentenced on Wednesday, September 9. His case highlights the ongoing challenges associated with managing individuals with severe mental illnesses who have a history of violent behavior. It also underscores the legal complexities of determining culpability in cases involving diminished responsibility and self-justification. Separately, Timothy Loosemore, 62, from Somerset, was found guilty of manslaughter after killing Maree Vermont, 60, in a remote property in Victoria, Australia. The incident took place in August 2023, when Loosemore allegedly attacked Vermont after a romantic entanglement ended. His actions led to a fire that consumed the house and rendered Vermont’s body unrecognizable. Two juries failed to reach a verdict due to insufficient evidence, prompting a retrial. Loosemore was eventually convicted of manslaughter and is set to face a pre-sentence hearing. Another case involves a 16-year-old boy accused of murdering a 61-year-old man in Dungannon, County Tyrone. The victim, from Guinea-Bissau, was found dead alongside his eight-year-old daughter, with the woman sustaining non-lethal injuries. The teenager, whose identity has been withheld, was remanded in custody and faces charges of murder and attempted murder. Concerns about his mental health were raised during the court appearance, leading to an order for a mental health assessment. Lastly, Matthew DuPlessis, 35, was jailed for nine years and three months after admitting to causing the death of his girlfriend, Charlotte Dodd, 35, by careless driving while under the influence of drugs. Initially, DuPlessis falsely claimed that Dodd had been struck by a hit-and-run vehicle. Investigations revealed that Dodd had exited the moving van on Padbury Lane, Congleton, resulting in fatal injuries. Despite his claims, CCTV footage and forensic analysis indicated that the van had crossed the center line, raising questions about the exact circumstances of her death. The family of Dodd expressed deep sorrow and frustration, emphasizing the unresolved nature of the tragedy and the emotional toll it has taken on them.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 4 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

7 reports

The Independent logoThe IndependentIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 859/2/2026
Convicted killer with schizophrenia stabbed friend to death before telling police ‘it’s happened again’

Daniel Levy, a 48-year-old man with schizophrenia, admitted to stabbing his friend Abdul Kaleem Shaik, 41, to death during New Year’s Eve celebrations in London. Levy, who had previously been convicted of killing his grandmother by stabbing and setting her on fire in 2000, later pleaded guilty to murder. He claimed that he believed he was helping Shaik by ending his life due to his deteriorating mental health. Levy turned himself in to police, stating 'It’s happened again,' referencing his past crime. Authorities confirmed that only Levy and Shaik were present at the scene, and CCTV footage supported his account. Levy had a history of mental health issues, including absences from a secure unit and being recalled to treatment for threats against family members.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of a criminal case involving a person with a mental health condition. It does not take a clear ideological stance, nor does it emphasize any particular political agenda. The focus is on legal proceedings and mental health implications rather than partisan views

Why factuality (90): The article presents a detailed and coherent account of the incident involving Daniel Levy, including his prior conviction, the nature of the crime, and the timeline of events. It references CCTV footage and police statements, supporting its claims with external sources. The information aligns close

Why objectivity (85): The article maintains a neutral tone, presenting facts without overt emotional appeal. It includes both the defendant's actions and the police response, providing a balanced view of the situation.

Daily Mirror logoDaily MirrorIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 809/2/2026
Man stabbed to death by killer who was freed despite setting fire to his own gran

Daniel Levy, a man with schizophrenia, has pleaded guilty to murdering Abdul Kaleem Shaik, an Indian national, at his London flat. Levy, who previously had a criminal history including the stabbing and arson of his grandmother in 2000, admitted to the killing during a police interview. His actions were reportedly influenced by his belief that Shaik's deteriorating mental health necessitated his intervention. CCTV footage confirmed that only Levy and Shaik were present at the flat on the night of the incident. Levy had been under psychiatric care and had a history of absconding from secure units, leading to his eventual hospitalization.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of a criminal case involving a mentally ill individual with a history of violence. It does not take a clear ideological stance or frame the issue through a political lens. The focus is on legal proceedings and medical history rather than partisan commentary.

Why factuality (85): This article continues the coverage of Daniel Levy's case, providing additional details about his criminal history, the nature of the offense, and the police investigation. It references CCTV footage and corroborates the timeline established in earlier reports. The information is consistent with the

Why objectivity (80): The tone remains neutral, focusing on the facts of the case. While it mentions the defendant's mental health status, it does so in the context of legal proceedings rather than expressing personal opinion.

BBC News (UK) logoBBC News (UK)State / PublicCenterFactual 85Objective 809/1/2026
Boy, 16, appears in court charged with murder

A 16-year-old boy has appeared in court charged with the murder of Sidi Djalo, a 61-year-old man from Guinea-Bissau who had lived in Northern Ireland for over two decades. The incident also resulted in the attempted murder of two others, including Djalo's eight-year-old daughter, who was found injured at the scene. The defendant, whose identity remains confidential due to his age, was remanded in custody after appearing in court in Omagh. His defense lawyer raised concerns about his mental health, noting he had only been assessed by a mental health nurse and not at a psychiatric level. A court order has been issued for a formal mental health evaluation, with the next appearance scheduled for 15 September at Dungannon Youth Court.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of a criminal case without overt ideological framing. It reports on legal proceedings, medical assessments, and judicial decisions without apparent partisan emphasis. While the incident involves a serious crime and potential mental health issues, the reporting,

Why factuality (85): The article provides a clear and factual account of the incident based on available information. It reports the charges against the 16-year-old defendant, details of the victims, and the legal proceedings. The mention of the defendant's mental health concerns and the court's decision to order a ment

Why objectivity (80): The tone remains neutral, focusing on the facts of the case without apparent bias. However, the inclusion of the defense solicitor's comments about the defendant's mental health may slightly lean towards emphasizing the defendant's condition, though this is standard in legal reporting.

The Independent logoThe IndependentIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 788/30/2026
Man jailed for causing girlfriend’s death and lying about hit and run

Matthew DuPlessis, 35, was sentenced to nine years and three months in prison for causing the death of his girlfriend, Charlotte Dodd, 35, during a hit and run incident. The couple was seen arguing in DuPlessis' van on September 23, 2023, before Dodd left the moving vehicle on Padbury Lane, Congleton, and was fatally injured. DuPlessis initially lied to witnesses, claiming they were walking and that a dark vehicle had struck Dodd. He later admitted to driving under the influence of drugs and perverting the course of justice. Forensic evidence and CCTV footage suggested Dodd exited the van, though the exact cause remains unclear. The case highlights issues of drug-impaired driving and the legal consequences of providing false information during an accident.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of a criminal case without overt ideological framing. It reports on the legal proceedings, forensic findings, and statements from law enforcement without taking a clear partisan stance. While the subject involves criminal behavior and legal consequences, the ph

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports the sentencing details, timeline of events, and quotes from DCI Hutcheon. It aligns with the cross-source consensus regarding the incident, the false narrative about a hit and run, and the cause of death. However, it does not provide full context about the ongoing inve

Why objectivity (78): The tone remains neutral, focusing on the legal outcome and facts. However, the article uses emotionally charged language such as 'tragic final moments' and 'web of lies,' which may lean towards a more dramatic interpretation rather than purely objective reporting.

The Independent logoThe IndependentIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 788/29/2026
Man, 35, who lied and said girlfriend’s death was hit and run jailed for her death

Matthew DuPlessis, 35, was sentenced to nine years and three months in prison for his role in the death of his girlfriend, Charlotte Dodd, 35. Initially, DuPlessis lied to police, claiming that Dodd had been struck by a hit-and-run vehicle while they were walking. In reality, Dodd exited the van while it was moving, sustaining fatal injuries. DuPlessis had admitted to perverting the course of justice and causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drugs. During the incident, he falsely told witnesses, including his parents and paramedics, that they were walking and that a dark vehicle had struck Dodd. Later investigations revealed that DuPlessis had been driving under the influence and that Dodd had repeatedly threatened to exit the vehicle but did not. CCTV footage showed the van continued after Dodd left, and forensic analysis indicated the van was off-center before she exited. Dodd’s family expressed their grief and described the emotional toll of the case.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the legal proceedings and the facts surrounding the case. It reports on the judicial outcome, the evidence presented during the trial, and the family's reaction without overt ideological slant. While the subject involves criminal behavior and legal system,

Why factuality (85): This article closely mirrors the first in terms of factual content, including the sentencing, timeline, and quotes from DCI Hutcheon. It accurately reflects the cross-source consensus and presents the events without significant discrepancies. It includes additional details about the location and the

Why objectivity (78): Similar to the first article, this piece uses emotionally charged language such as 'tragic final moments' and emphasizes the deception involved. While not overtly biased, the phrasing suggests a sympathetic view toward the victims and a critical stance toward the defendant.

Daily Mail logoDaily MailIndependentConservativeFactual 85Objective 609/3/2026
Obsessed British Airbnb guest brutally killed his host after he became infatuated with her - then torched the home and mother-of-three's body beyond all recognition

A British man named Timothy Loosemore, 62, was convicted of manslaughter after killing his Airbnb host, Maree Vermont, 60, in her home in rural Victoria, Australia. The incident occurred in August 2023, following a relationship that began as a brief sexual encounter. Loosemore allegedly attacked Vermont violently, leading to her death, and then set her home on fire, burning her body beyond recognition. This made it impossible for forensic experts to determine the cause of death, resulting in two failed jury trials. On Thursday, Loosemore appeared in court for a pre-sentence hearing after being found guilty of manslaughter at his second trial. Prosecutors argued that Loosemore's actions were driven by a buildup of frustration after repeated rejections of his romantic advances.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the incident as a personal tragedy with emphasis on Loosemore's 'snapping' due to unrequited affection, using emotionally charged language like 'horrific', 'violent assault', and 'murderous intent'. It highlights the prosecution's narrative that Loosemore acted out of emotional失控,

Why factuality (85): The article provides details about Timothy Loosemore's conviction for manslaughter following the death of Maree Vermont. It mentions the timeline, location, and legal proceedings, aligning with the cross-source consensus. However, the phrasing 'brutally killed his host after he became infatuated wit

Why objectivity (60): The article presents a narrative that emphasizes the emotional and psychological aspects of the case, using terms like 'obsessed,' 'infatuated,' and 'snapped.' This suggests a biased or emotionally charged perspective, potentially influencing the reader's understanding of the events. The focus on th

Daily Mirror logoDaily MirrorIndependentCenterFactual 80Objective 758/31/2026
Man who told web of lies after girlfriend's death jailed as family left with unanswered questions

Matthew DuPlessis, 35, was sentenced to nine years and three months in prison for causing the death of his girlfriend, Charlotte Dodd, through careless driving while under the influence of drugs, and for obstructing justice. Initially, DuPlessis claimed that Dodd had been struck by a hit-and-run driver, but an investigation revealed that he was the one driving the van when she exited the moving vehicle and sustained fatal injuries. The couple had argued earlier that night before leaving Dodd’s home together. CCTV footage and forensic analysis confirmed that Dodd left the van while it was still moving, and the vehicle crossed the center line afterward. Despite his initial claims, DuPlessis eventually admitted to drug-related offenses connected to the incident and was banned from driving for three years.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on a criminal case involving a personal relationship and traffic violations. It does not involve political figures, policies, or governmental actions, nor does it present any political viewpoints or biases in its reporting. The focus is purely on legal proceedings and the factual

Why factuality (80): The article provides accurate information about the sentencing, the initial false claim of a hit and run, and the subsequent investigation. It matches the other sources in describing the sequence of events and the role of the police. However, it lacks some specific details present in the other artic

Why objectivity (75): The article uses phrases like 'web of lies' and 'questions remain over her death,' which suggest a somewhat critical stance toward the defendant. This leans slightly toward a more judgmental tone rather than strictly impartial reporting.

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