A MAN has been jailed following the death of a woman who was struck by a van on a golf course in Little Aston.
John McDonald, 51, of Bloxwich, was sent to prison for 13 years and six months at Worcester Crown Court after he pleaded guilty to death by dangerous driving. He was given a concurrent sentence of four years for conspiracy to commit fraud.
His son, Johnny McDonald, 23, of Netherton in Dudley, was jailed for 32 months after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud.
Brett Delaney, 35, of Darlaston, was jailed for 28 months, also for conspiracy to commit fraud, after pleading guilty.
The incident happened on 11th April last year after police pursued a van from Kingstanding in Birmingham. The vehicle had rammed police cars and collided with other vehicles before it drove into Little Aston Golf Club and across the course.
When it reached a small brook, the vehicle crashed into Suzanne Cherry who was playing golf with her husband. The 62-year-old, from Aldridge, was airlifted to hospital but died four days later.
In a statement, Suzanne’s husband said:
“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.
“Suzanne had an amazing and infectious zest for life which touched everyone who was fortunate enough to know her.
“She was unselfish, always ready to encourage with love and support those around her to achieve more than they themselves thought possible.
“Suzanne leaves a legacy and an unfillable void in the lives of her mother Maureen, her three adult children, two stepchildren, granddaughter and countless others from her work, her sporting activities and social circle.
“Sue was loved and will be painfully missed by her entire family and friends. “
Detective Inspector Lisa Holland, of Staffordshire Police’s major investigations department, said:
“Suzanne was enjoying playing golf with her husband when she was struck by the van driven by John McDonald.
“He knew that he had struck Suzanne, and rather than stop to help her, he chose to run away.
“Our thoughts remain with Suzanne’s family and friends. I would like to thank Suzanne’s husband and her family for their support, strength, and bravery during this investigation especially during the court proceedings.”
