A rogue roofer who fatally struck a woman on a golf course while fleeing police has been sentenced to 13-and-a-half years in prison for causing her death by dangerous driving.
John McDonald, 52, admitted responsibility after his van hit 62-year-old Suzanne Cherry at Aston Wood Golf Club in Shenstone, Staffordshire. Ms Cherry had been enjoying a round of golf with her husband, Clint Harrison, when the incident occurred on 11 April last year.
Passing sentence, Judge James Burbidge described McDonald’s behaviour as “wicked in the extreme”, telling the court: “It is clear that you did attempt to brake, but you had insufficient time to avoid her.”
Police Chase Tragedy at Staffordshire Golf Course
Addressing McDonald directly, the judge said Mr Harrison witnessed McDonald and his co-defendants, Johnny McDonald, 23, and Brett Delaney, 35, flee the scene.
“Clint Harrison saw you [and co-defendants Johnny McDonald, 23, and Brett Delaney, 35] run away from the vehicle,” Judge Burbidge said. “He says the person who stepped out of the driving seat actually stepped over Sue.
“He says he saw, in a split second, the driver stutter and look back, but you didn’t stop, John, you sought to save your own skin.
“Even if you did something to avoid the collision, it was too little, too late.”
Speaking after the sentence was handed down, Mr Harrison paid an emotional tribute to his wife, describing her as an “inspiration”.
“You really don’t want to know what I think about the sentence. I have got no thoughts about them at all. I won’t give them any headspace,” he said.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Bolton Crash Victims Named After Taxi And Car Collision Kills Three Teenagers And Driver
He added, “Everybody loved her. She was an inspiration. All the young ladies wanted to be like Suzanne Cherry because of what she achieved in her life.
“A company owner, advanced motorcyclist, cyclist, scuba diver, and anything else she could jump off or dive off.”
Mr Harrison previously said his wife would be “painfully missed” by family and friends, recalling the moment her life was taken from him.
“While enjoying what should have been the safest of one of Suzanne’s many activities, I watched in helpless horror as the life of my beautiful wife and our future together was snatched away in an instant,” he said.
Roofing Fraud Scheme Targeted Elderly Victims
Although Brett Delaney and Johnny McDonald were not held responsible for the fatal collision, both men — along with John McDonald — admitted to conspiracy to commit fraud.
The court heard the trio made false claims that roofing work was required when it was not, operating between 17 February and 12 April last year. The work was carried out under the name Approved Roofs Ltd across the West Midlands.
Judge Burbidge told the defendants they had deliberately targeted elderly victims.
“Those you sought out were easy targets because they were vulnerable and trusting individuals, as the elderly often are, and want to see the good in people — unlike you,” he said.
Addressing John and Johnny McDonald, the judge added, “You worked together using the name of Approved Roofs, but it is not clear what, if any, skills you had for that line of work. The evidence suggests none.”
For the fraud offences, Johnny McDonald was sentenced to 32 months in prison, while Brett Delaney received a 28-month sentence, with time already served deducted.
For More, Follow SurgeZirc UK On Facebook, X, Instagram, and Bluesky
