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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.

Convicted killer Daniel Levy, 48, has pleaded guilty to murdering Abdul Kaleem Shaik, 41, at his flat in Vauxhall, south London. Levy, who suffers from schizophrenia, admitted to stabbing Shaik in the neck with a large knife sometime on New Year’s Eve or early New Year’s Day. He handed himself in to police at Bishopsgate police station shortly after 8pm on 1 January, telling officers: “It’s happened again.” This phrase was interpreted as a reference to a prior killing, specifically the stabbing and setting on fire of his grandmother in July 2000. Levy had previously accepted responsibility for that act but denied it was murder, citing his mental health at the time. His plea changed dramatically as his trial was about to begin at the Old Bailey. During a previous hearing, prosecutors stated that Levy had been planning the killing of Shaik for some time. According to his account, he believed that by killing Shaik, who had become increasingly depressed, he was helping him pass to heaven. Police arrived at Levy’s flat in Vauxhall after receiving the alert and discovered Shaik’s body on a makeshift bed with a stab wound and blood on his chest, neck, and face. A bloody knife was recovered from the premises. CCTV footage confirmed that only Levy and Shaik were present at the flat on the evening of December 31. In a police interview on 2 January, Levy provided a detailed account of the incident. He explained that he had allowed Shaik to stay in his flat for years and that Shaik had become mentally unwell. Levy claimed he felt compelled to kill him to ensure his passage to heaven. Prosecutors noted that Levy had described contemplating the act for some time before finally executing it in the early hours of 1 January. Levy had been previously convicted of manslaughter by diminished responsibility and arson related to his grandmother’s death in 2001. He received an indefinite hospital order at the Old Bailey. It was revealed that he had absconded from a secure mental health unit in 2003 and was recalled to hospital in 2013 after expressing thoughts about harming his parents. Following his release, he was required to maintain contact with his mental health team and had reportedly kept up with his medication, though he had expressed skepticism about its necessity. Before pleading guilty, Judge Lynn Tayton KC questioned Levy to ensure he had sufficient time to consider his decision. Levy stated he wished to avoid a trial, preferring to keep his personal information private and serve his sentence without public scrutiny. The judge ruled that Levy was fit to enter his plea. Defence barrister Michael Holland KC requested information regarding Shaik’s mental state to assess whether Levy’s belief that his actions were akin to assisted suicide was rational. Judge Tayton remanded Levy into custody for sentencing on 9 September. Levy’s case highlights ongoing concerns about individuals with severe mental illnesses and the challenges faced by the legal system in managing such cases. His admission of guilt and the nature of his motivations underscore the complex interplay between mental health and criminal behavior. The upcoming sentencing will provide clarity on the legal repercussions of his actions and the measures that will be taken to manage his condition moving forward.

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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