Who Caused the Fatal Golf Course Crash? Man Confesses

A man has admitted to killing Suzanne Cherry, a 62-year-old woman, after she was struck by a van involved in a police pursuit on a golf course. John McDonald, 51, has pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and is set to be sentenced shortly at Worcester Crown Court. The incident prompted an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct into the actions of the police prior to the tragic collision.

Last updated: 10 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

John McDonald has pleaded guilty to causing the death of Suzanne Cherry, who tragically died after being hit by a van on 12 April 2023. The van, a grey Nissan, was being pursued by police when it veered off the road and onto the Aston Wood Golf Club, leading to the fatal incident. McDonald is awaiting sentencing, which is expected to take place today at Worcester Crown Court. The case has garnered public attention due to the nature of the crime and the victim's tragic circumstances.

Key takeaways

John McDonald admitted to causing death by dangerous driving.
Suzanne Cherry died four days after being struck by a van on a golf course.
The incident occurred during a police pursuit of the vehicle involved.
McDonald and two co-defendants also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating the police's involvement prior to the collision.

Timeline: how we got here

To understand the developments leading to the current situation, here is a brief timeline:

February 17, 2022: The conspiracy to commit fraud begins, involving false representations regarding roofing work.
April 8, 2023: Suzanne Cherry is struck by the van at Aston Wood Golf Club, leading to her hospitalisation.
April 12, 2023: Suzanne Cherry dies in hospital, four days after the incident.
October 9, 2023: John McDonald pleads guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and conspiracy to commit fraud.
October 10, 2023: Sentencing for John McDonald is scheduled at Worcester Crown Court.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

John McDonald formally admitted to his charges in court this week, which include causing the death of Suzanne Cherry through dangerous driving. His co-defendants also pleaded guilty to related charges of conspiracy to commit fraud, marking a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings.

What was already established

Prior to this week's admissions, it was known that Suzanne Cherry had been struck by a van during a police pursuit. Initial reports indicated that the police had ceased their pursuit before the collision occurred, raising questions about the circumstances leading to the tragic event. The investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct was announced shortly after the incident.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The fatal incident has raised concerns about public safety, particularly in relation to police pursuits and their potential consequences. The tragic loss of Suzanne Cherry, described as an avid golfer, has deeply affected her community and highlights the risks associated with high-speed chases in populated areas.

Businesses and jobs

The case could potentially impact local businesses, especially those connected to the golfing community. Concerns may arise regarding insurance and liability for incidents occurring on their premises, prompting golf clubs and other recreational facilities to review their safety policies.

Policy and regulation

This incident may lead to discussions about the policies governing police pursuits in the UK. The Independent Office for Police Conduct's investigation could result in recommendations for changes to how police handle pursuits, especially in areas where innocent bystanders may be at risk.

Numbers that matter

62: The age of Suzanne Cherry at the time of her death.
4: The number of days Suzanne Cherry survived after the collision before succumbing to her injuries.
51: Age of John McDonald, who admitted to dangerous driving leading to Cherry's death.
3: The number of men who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud.
1: The ongoing investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct into police actions before the incident.

Definitions and jargon buster

Conspiracy to commit fraud: An agreement between two or more people to engage in dishonest behaviour for financial gain.
Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC): A body that investigates complaints against police forces in England and Wales.
Dangerous driving: Driving that falls far below the standard expected of a competent driver and poses a danger to other road users.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, the sentencing of John McDonald will take place, which may offer some closure to Suzanne Cherry's family and community. It will also set a legal precedent for similar cases involving dangerous driving.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the IOPC investigation continues, there may be recommendations that could influence police pursuit policies. This could lead to new guidelines intended to reduce risks for innocent bystanders in similar situations.

Signals to watch

Outcomes of the IOPC investigation and any public statements regarding police pursuit policies.
Community responses to the verdict of John McDonald.
Any subsequent changes in legislation or police protocols related to high-speed chases.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about updates from the IOPC regarding police procedures.
Engage with local community discussions about road safety and police conduct.
Support initiatives aimed at enhancing safety for recreational activities.

Don’t

Ignore safety protocols when engaging in recreational activities like golfing.
Assume that police pursuits are always justified without understanding the full context.
Dismiss the importance of community dialogue on public safety issues.

Checklist

Review local policies on police pursuits and community safety.
Consider joining local advocacy groups focused on road safety.
Stay updated on legal proceedings related to dangerous driving cases.
Attend community meetings discussing safety measures in recreational areas.
Engage with local law enforcement about community safety initiatives.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the legal proceedings are ongoing, there are uncertainties regarding the outcomes of the IOPC investigation and potential changes to police pursuit policies. Additionally, the full impact of this incident on the community’s perception of safety remains to be seen. It is crucial to monitor developments carefully as they unfold.

Bottom line

The tragic death of Suzanne Cherry serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of dangerous driving and police pursuits. As John McDonald awaits sentencing, this case highlights the need for ongoing discussions about public safety and policing practices in the UK.

FAQs

What charges did John McDonald plead guilty to?

John McDonald pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and conspiracy to commit fraud.

What happened to Suzanne Cherry?

Suzanne Cherry was struck by a van involved in a police pursuit and died four days later from her injuries.

What is the role of the Independent Office for Police Conduct?

The Independent Office for Police Conduct investigates complaints against police forces and examines circumstances surrounding incidents like the one involving Suzanne Cherry.