A roofer has confessed to causing the death of a mother-of-three who was struck by a van during a police pursuit across a golf course.
Courtroom Guilty Pleas After Fatal Collision
John McDonald, 51, of Booth Street in Bloxwich, admitted causing death by dangerous driving at Worcester Crown Court on Monday. The charge relates to an incident on 11 April at Aston Wood Golf Club in Blake Street, Shenstone, near Sutton Coldfield.
Suzanne Cherry, a 62-year-old from Aldridge, was hit by a grey Nissan van. She was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, where she died from her injuries four days later, on 15 April.
McDonald appeared alongside two co-defendants. Johnny McDonald, 23, of Molyneux Road in Dudley, and Brett Delaney, 35, of Michael Road in Darlaston, also entered guilty pleas. All three men admitted to a charge of conspiracy to commit fraud between 17 February and 12 April last year, relating to falsely claiming roofing work was necessary.
The Pursuit and Independent Investigation
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation into the actions of West Midlands Police officers prior to the fatal collision. The watchdog stated that two patrol cars began following the van in the Kingstanding area of Birmingham after reports of suspicious activity.
The police pursuit was called off when the vehicle left the road and drove up an embankment onto the grounds of Aston Wood Golf Club, where it struck Ms Cherry. The IOPC's findings will be crucial in understanding the full sequence of events.
A Family's Unfillable Void
In a moving statement, Suzanne Cherry's husband described the profound loss felt by her family and friends. He spoke of the "helpless horror" of witnessing the incident and the "unfillable void" left in their lives.
"Suzanne had an amazing and infectious zest for life, which touched everyone who was fortunate enough to know her," he said. "She was unselfish, always ready to encourage with love and support those around her."
The statement paid tribute to her legacy, noting she is survived by her mother Maureen, her three adult children, two step-children, and countless others from her work, sporting activities, and social circle. The family has requested privacy as they grieve.
All three defendants had previously denied manslaughter charges. They are expected to be sentenced at Worcester Crown Court tomorrow.
