A man who was driving recklessly and caused the death of a 62-year-old woman on a golf course during a police pursuit has been sentenced to 13-and-a-half years in prison. John McDonald, 52, pleaded guilty to the dangerous driving that led to the tragic death of Suzanne Cherry at Aston Wood Golf Club in Shenstone, Staffordshire. The incident occurred while Cherry was playing golf with her husband Clint Harrison on April 11 last year.
During the pursuit, McDonald’s van, which was being followed by the police, was driving at high speeds, causing multiple collisions and endangering pedestrians. The court heard that McDonald’s van struck Cherry near a stream, resulting in fatal injuries that she succumbed to in the hospital four days later.
McDonald, along with his passengers Brett Delaney, 35, and his son Johnny McDonald, 23, fled the scene after the collision. Although Delaney and Johnny McDonald were not directly responsible for Cherry’s death, they, along with John McDonald, admitted to a conspiracy to commit fraud related to deceptive roofing services provided by a company called Approved Roofs Ltd.
The court revealed that the defendants had been involved in defrauding elderly individuals through substandard roofing work, with the police initiating the pursuit after observing suspicious activities. Judge James Burbidge KC condemned the actions of the defendants, highlighting their exploitation of vulnerable victims for financial gain.
In sentencing, John McDonald received 13-and-a-half years in prison for causing Cherry’s death and an additional 48 months for the fraud conspiracy. Johnny McDonald was sentenced to 32 months, and Delaney received 28 months in prison, with their time served taken into account.
McDonald expressed remorse for his actions and acknowledged the irreversible impact of his reckless driving. Despite his attempts to avoid the collision, the judge deemed his actions as “wicked” and emphasized the severity of the consequences.
Following the sentencing, Clint Harrison, Cherry’s husband, described her as an inspiring individual who touched the lives of many. He expressed his grief over the loss and declined to comment on the defendants’ sentences, focusing instead on honoring his wife’s memory and achievements.