The trial for three men accused of causing the death of a woman at Aston Wood Golf Club in Sutton Coldfield has been scheduled. Suzanne Cherry, a 62-year-old mother of three, was struck by a grey Nissan van on April 11, 2025, after a police pursuit. She was airlifted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham but succumbed to her injuries four days later, on April 15.
Following an investigation by Staffordshire Police, John McDonald, 51, of Bloxwich, was charged with manslaughter, assault by beating, and failing to stop when directed by a constable. Johnny McDonald, 22, from Netherton, Dudley, and Brett Delaney, 34, of Darlaston, Walsall, have both been charged with manslaughter. All three men have pleaded not guilty.
The incident unfolded when a van reportedly entered the Aston Wood Golf Club grounds after officers from West Midlands Police responded to reports of suspicious activity and initiated a pursuit. The case has also been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
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The IOPC conducted an independent investigation into the police pursuit prior to the collision, examining whether officers adhered to national and local policies and training. The investigation was completed in October, with all officers involved treated as witnesses. The IOPC has stated that their findings will be published after the conclusion of all related legal proceedings to prevent any prejudice.
The trial at Worcester Crown Court is set to begin on Monday, January 12, and is expected to last seven weeks. Meanwhile, the IOPC expressed their sympathies to Suzanne Cherry’s family, acknowledging the tragic loss.