Was a Rogue Roofer's Recklessness Responsible for a Golfer's Fatal Crash?

A rogue roofer has been sentenced to 13 years and six months in prison for causing the death of Suzanne Cherry after driving recklessly while fleeing police. The incident occurred on 11 April 2023, when Cherry was struck by John McDonald’s van on a golf course in Staffordshire. McDonald, alongside two accomplices involved in a roofing fraud scheme, had pleaded guilty to charges related to the tragic event, which has left profound repercussions for Cherry's family.

Last updated: 23 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The case surrounding the tragic death of Suzanne Cherry has drawn significant attention as it highlights the dangers posed by reckless driving, particularly in the context of police pursuits. John McDonald, 52, was sentenced for his actions that not only resulted in Cherry’s death but also for his role in a fraudulent roofing business that targeted vulnerable elderly homeowners. His co-defendants received shorter sentences for their involvement in the fraud and the events that led to the fatal incident.

Key takeaways

John McDonald was jailed for 13 years and six months for causing death by dangerous driving.
Suzanne Cherry died four days after being struck by McDonald's van on a golf course.
The trio was involved in a roofing fraud scheme targeting elderly customers.

Timeline: how we got here

The timeline of events leading to the tragic incident is as follows:

17 February 2023: The fraudulent roofing operation, under the guise of Approved Roofs Ltd, begins.
11 April 2023: Police spot the trio's van and initiate a pursuit that ends with the van hitting Suzanne Cherry on the golf course.
15 April 2023: Suzanne Cherry dies in hospital from injuries sustained in the collision.
23 October 2023: John McDonald is sentenced to 13 years and six months in prison.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

John McDonald's sentencing marks a significant development in the case, as it concludes a lengthy legal process following the fatal incident. His guilty plea has been recognised in the reduction of his sentence from the original 18 years.

What was already established

Prior to sentencing, it was established that McDonald and his co-defendants were involved in a fraudulent roofing scheme, charging elderly individuals excessive fees for unnecessary repairs. The police pursuit of their van, which led to Cherry's death, highlighted the recklessness of the defendants and the tragic consequences of their actions.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The fraudulent activities undertaken by McDonald and his accomplices raise significant concerns for UK households, particularly the elderly, who may be vulnerable to scams. The case has prompted discussions on the need for stronger regulations and protections for consumers against predatory trades.

Businesses and jobs

This incident may also affect the roofing and home repair industry, as it casts a shadow over legitimate businesses. Increased scrutiny could lead to tighter regulations aimed at preventing fraud, impacting how roofing services operate in the UK.

Policy and regulation

In light of this case, there may be calls for policy changes to enhance consumer protection laws, particularly focusing on tradespeople. Regulatory bodies might consider additional measures to oversee the operations of home repair companies and ensure they adhere to ethical standards.

Numbers that matter

13 years and 6 months: Sentence received by John McDonald for causing death by dangerous driving.
32 months: Sentence for Johnny McDonald, the younger co-defendant.
28 months: Sentence for Brett Delaney, the third co-defendant.
70 mph: Speed reached by the van during the police pursuit, exceeding the 30 mph limit.
5 vehicles: At least five vehicles were damaged during the reckless driving before the collision.

Definitions and jargon buster

Conspiracy to commit fraud: An agreement between two or more parties to engage in deceptive practices for financial gain.
Driving dangerously: Operating a vehicle in a manner that puts others at risk, which can include speeding or reckless behaviour.
Roofing fraud: Scamming homeowners by charging for unnecessary roofing repairs or services.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, the focus will likely be on the implementation of any new consumer protection measures that arise from this case. Stakeholders may begin to discuss ways to improve oversight in the home repair industry.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Over the coming months, it is expected that regulatory bodies will assess the current laws governing trades and consider amendments to enhance consumer protections, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Signals to watch

Changes in legislation related to consumer protection in trades.
Reports or studies on the prevalence of fraud targeting elderly homeowners.
Increased enforcement actions against fraudulent home repair businesses.

Practical guidance

Do

Verify the credentials of any tradesperson before agreeing to work.
Seek multiple quotes for home repairs to ensure fair pricing.
Report suspicious behaviour to local authorities to help prevent fraud.

Don’t

Don’t make quick decisions under pressure from tradespeople.
Don’t ignore warning signs of potential scams, such as high-pressure sales tactics.
Don’t hesitate to ask for references or reviews from previous customers.

Checklist

Have you checked the tradesperson’s qualifications?
Have you obtained multiple estimates for the work needed?
Have you consulted with family or friends about the tradesperson?
Do you understand the terms of the contract before signing?
Have you discussed payment methods and terms upfront?

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the case has concluded with a sentencing, concerns remain regarding the broader implications for consumer protection. The potential for similar fraudulent activities persists, particularly if regulations are not adequately enforced. Additionally, the emotional and psychological impact on the family of Suzanne Cherry can’t be understated, as they navigate the aftermath of this tragedy.

Bottom line

The sentencing of John McDonald serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of reckless behaviour and fraudulent activities. It underscores the importance of protecting consumers, especially the elderly, from exploitation. Moving forward, vigilance and regulatory improvements are essential to prevent similar incidents and safeguard the community.

FAQs

What charges were brought against John McDonald?

John McDonald faced charges of causing death by dangerous driving and conspiracy to commit fraud, which he pleaded guilty to, resulting in a 13-year and six-month sentence.

What impact did Suzanne Cherry's death have on her family?

Suzanne Cherry's husband expressed profound grief, stating that her death left him without a future to look forward to and an "empty present to survive."

What was the nature of the roofing fraud scheme?

The roofing fraud scheme involved the trio charging elderly homeowners exorbitant fees for unnecessary roofing repairs under the false pretense of being a legitimate company.