Drunk driver back in prison after killing care worker in second fatal crash

A drunk driver is back behind bars after killing a second person while behind the wheel.

Matthew Plimmer, 35, was on the wrong side of the road and under the influence of alcohol when he collided head-on with a car travelling the other way, killing 25-year-old care worker Jessica Drury.

Plimmer was previously jailed for causing the death of a teenager in a similar crash in October 2006, and was also banned from driving against after being caught drunk at the wheel in October 2021.

In the latest crash, which happened in Oxton, Nottinghamshire, on 19 January this year, he tried to cover his tracks, telling other motorists who stopped at the scene that someone else had been driving and had fled the scene.

But despite continuing the lie after he was arrested, DNA evidence proved Plimmer was behind the wheel at the time of the crash.

Nottinghamshire Police said his DNA was found on the driver’s airbag and on the inside of the damaged driver side windscreen, and there was no evidence to suggest anyone else had been in the vehicle at the time of the collision.

Plimmer, of Raylawn Street, Mansfield, finally pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving whilst under the influence, causing death by driving whilst disqualified, and driving whilst disqualified and was jailed for nine years. He must also serve an additional three years on licence when he is released.

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Collision Investigator Sarah Butler, of Nottinghamshire Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "At the centre of this tragic case was a popular and much-loved young woman whose loss is felt every day by her family and friends.

"She was a devoted care worker who dedicated her life to helping others and at the time of the collision was on her way home from supporting an elderly local couple.

She added: "Plimmer made a conscious decision to go drinking at a local pub that day. He chose to ignore his driving ban and he chose to drive while under the influence of alcohol.

"He then chose to continue his lies as long as he could about what happened that night.

"Jessica, on the other hand, had no choice in any of this.

"This appalling tragedy was entirely Plimmer’s fault and I am pleased that he is now starting a very lengthy prison sentence.

"I do hope that this sentence will act as a warning to others about the potential consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol."