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Driver Who Killed Golfer During Police Chase Sentenced to 13 Years and Six Months

The case exposed a sham roofing scheme targeting elderly victims, with the family later refused criminal‑injury compensation.

Overview

  • John McDonald, 52, pleaded guilty at Worcester Crown Court to causing death by dangerous driving and also received a separate four‑year term for conspiracy to commit fraud.
  • Johnny McDonald was jailed for 32 months and Brett Delaney for 28 months over the fraud operation linked to a bogus roofing business.
  • Police dashcam footage showed a roughly 12‑minute pursuit reaching up to 70 mph, with the van ramming a patrol car, hitting several vehicles, and then driving onto Aston Wood Golf Club.
  • Suzanne Cherry, 62, was struck on the course on April 11, 2025, suffered catastrophic injuries, and died four days later in hospital.
  • The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority rejected the family’s application as not a ‘crime of violence,’ and her husband is pursuing a civil claim against the van’s insurers.