A man has admitted to causing death by dangerous driving after a mother of three was fatally struck by a van that veered off the road onto a golf course following police pursuit.
The incident occurred at Aston Wood Golf Club in Shenstone, near Sutton Coldfield, where the grey Nissan van collided with Suzanne Cherry, 62, on April 11. Ms. Cherry succumbed to her injuries at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham four days later.
According to a report by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), the van, which two patrol cars had been tailing in Kingstanding, Birmingham, deviated off the road and collided with Ms. Cherry at the golf club.
In a heartbreaking statement, Ms. Cherry’s unnamed husband expressed his devastation, recounting the sudden loss of his beloved wife during what should have been a safe activity for her.
Describing Ms. Cherry as a vibrant and caring individual who positively impacted the lives of many, her husband highlighted the profound gap left by her untimely passing in the lives of her family, friends, and community.
John McDonald, 51, of Booth Street in Bloxwich, appeared in Worcester Crown Court and pleaded guilty to causing Ms. Cherry’s death through dangerous driving. Additionally, McDonald, along with co-defendants Johnny McDonald and Brett Delaney, confessed to a conspiracy to commit fraud involving false representations related to roofing work.
While initially denying manslaughter charges, all three defendants are now awaiting sentencing following their guilty pleas.