A man who was driving recklessly and led police on a chase at a golf course has been sentenced to 13-and-a-half years in prison for causing the death of a 62-year-old woman. John McDonald, 52, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving resulting in the death of Suzanne Cherry, who was hit by a van as she searched for her golf ball near a stream at Aston Wood Golf Club in Shenstone, Staffordshire, while playing with her husband Clint Harrison on April 11 last year.
During the pursuit, the van, driven by McDonald, reached speeds of 70mph in 30mph zones, drove erratically, and collided with several vehicles before entering the golf course. Collision investigators determined that the van was traveling at 41mph five seconds before the impact.
After hitting Ms. Cherry, McDonald and his passengers fled the scene, leaving her with fatal injuries. Although the other passengers were not held responsible for the collision, all three men admitted to a conspiracy to commit fraud involving roofing work under the company name Approved Roofs Ltd.
The court revealed that the trio had been targeting elderly individuals for fraudulent roofing repairs, receiving substantial payments for substandard work. Judge James Burbidge KC condemned their actions, highlighting the devastating impact on Ms. Cherry and her family.
McDonald received a 13-and-a-half-year prison sentence, while his accomplices were also jailed for their roles in the fraudulent scheme. The judge emphasized the severity of their crimes and the harm caused to vulnerable victims. Ms. Cherry’s husband expressed his grief and described her as an incredible individual with a wide range of talents and accomplishments.