A 52-year-old man led police on a 12-minute chase in Birmingham, fatally striking a woman at Aston Wood Golf Club in Sutton
Tragic Incident Involving John McDonald and Suzanne Cherry
John McDonald, 52, drove recklessly on April 11 last year. He was on the wrong side of the road, reaching speeds of 70 mph in a 30 mph zone. He rammed police vehicles during a chase that lasted 12 minutes.
Suzanne Cherry, 62, was playing golf with her husband when the tragedy occurred. She was airlifted to the hospital but sadly died four days later.
The chase ended when McDonald struck Suzanne Cherry at Aston Wood Golf Club in Sutton, Birmingham. Footage showed him crashing into several vehicles, including one with an 11-month-old baby.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Driver | John McDonald, 52 |
| Victim | Suzanne Cherry, 62 |
| Incident Date | April 11, last year |
| Chase Duration | 12 minutes |
| Speed | 70 mph in a 30 mph zone |
| Outcome for Suzanne | Died four days later |
Prosecutor Michael Burrows KC stated that McDonald rammed a police car several times, trying to disable it. He then drove onto the golf course where Suzanne was playing.
Clinton Harrison, Suzanne’s husband, witnessed the incident. He shouted her name but said she could not react in time. Three men exited the van and fled the scene.
Mr. Harrison yelled at them, saying, “you b******s have killed my wife.” He added that the driver stepped over Suzanne as he ran away.
McDonald, who did not have a driving license and could not read or write, admitted to causing death by dangerous driving. He also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud related to roofing work.
His son, Johnny McDonald, 23, and Brett Delaney, 35, were also in the van and pleaded guilty to the fraud charge. The three men defrauded elderly victims out of tens of thousands of pounds.
On the day of the crash, they were following a victim to a cash machine. Two police officers spotted them and began the chase.
Mr. Harrison described starting the golf game with a kiss. He noted that the van did not brake as it approached Suzanne.
Paramedics arrived quickly and performed several interventions. Suzanne suffered multiple rib fractures and had serious brain damage.
McDonald, his son, and Delaney were arrested days later. They were initially charged with manslaughter, which they denied. Delaney yawned during the hearing and claimed he had closed his eyes during the chase.
Mr. Harrison read a victim impact statement in court. He expressed that his life had been destroyed and that they stole every future milestone from Suzanne.
He concluded that they valued their freedom more than her right to live. The court noted that all three men have previous convictions and will be sentenced on Tuesday.
