Full Breakdown
Fatal Golf Course Incident: Man Admits to Causing Death of Suzanne Cherry
1/12/2026, 9:34:34 PM
Incident Overview
John McDonald, 51, has pleaded guilty to causing the death of Suzanne Cherry, 62, who was struck by a van at Aston Wood Golf Club in Staffordshire. The incident occurred in April 2025, when Cherry was playing golf with her husband, Clint Harrison. She succumbed to her injuries four days later at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. McDonald admitted to causing death by dangerous driving and is set to be sentenced shortly.
Details of the Incident
On April 11, 2025, a grey Nissan van, driven by McDonald, was involved in a police pursuit before it veered off the road and onto the golf course, where it struck Cherry. Prosecutor Michael Burrows KC detailed that Cherry was looking for her golf ball near a stream when the van approached at high speed. Harrison witnessed the van heading towards his wife and shouted a warning, but there was no time for her to react. The van hit her, resulting in fatal injuries.
Following the collision, McDonald and two co-defendants, Johnny McDonald, 23, and Brett Delaney, 35, exited the vehicle and fled the scene. Harrison reported that the driver stepped over his wife as he ran away, prompting him to shout, "You've killed my wife."
Background Context
The police pursuit began after officers received reports of suspicious activity involving the van. The pursuit was called off when the vehicle left the road and entered the golf club. The Independent Office for Police Conduct has launched an investigation into the police's actions leading up to the crash, examining whether the pursuit was justified.
In addition to the driving charge, all three defendants pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud, involving false claims about roofing work. They had previously denied charges of manslaughter.
Official Statements
Clint Harrison expressed profound grief over the loss of his wife, describing her as a vibrant individual with an "infectious zest for life." He emphasized that the incident occurred while she was enjoying a safe activity, highlighting the tragedy of the situation.
Criticism & Opposition
The circumstances surrounding the police pursuit have drawn scrutiny. The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating the appropriateness of the police's decision to pursue the van, particularly given the tragic outcome. Critics argue that the police should have assessed the risks involved in continuing the chase.
What's Next
John McDonald is expected to be sentenced later today at Worcester Crown Court. The outcome of the ongoing investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct may also lead to further discussions regarding police protocols in high-speed pursuits.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Her husband, who was not named, said in a statement: “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.” — Clint Harrison, Husband of Suzanne Cherry
