West Midlands police have charged three men with manslaughter following the death of Suzanne Cherry, 62, who was fatally struck by a grey Nissan van on April 11th at Aston Wood Golf Club in Little Aston, Staffordshire. Ms. Cherry died four days later in hospital, and her husband, John McDonald, described witnessing the tragic event while watching helplessly as his wife was hit. The incident occurred after two patrol cars from Birmingham were pursuing a vehicle along Kingstanding Road before it veered off the road and up an embankment at the golf club, colliding with Ms. Cherry.
The pursuit began following reports of suspicious activity received by police. Investigations are ongoing into the events leading up to the crash, with the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launching a separate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the police chase. West Midlands Police have stated that specialist officers continue to provide support to Ms. Cherry’s family, who described her as a vibrant and supportive individual with a “remarkable zest for life” and a significant impact on their community. She is survived by her husband, three adult children, two step-children, and numerous friends and colleagues.
Alongside the manslaughter charges, John McDonald has also been charged with assault by beating and failing to stop a vehicle when directed by a constable. Two other men arrested in connection with the case – Johnny McDonald, 22, of Dudley, and Brett Delaney, 34, of Darlaston, Walsall – have been released on bail with conditions pending further investigation. All three charged men are scheduled to appear at the North Staffordshire Justice Centre later this week. The IOPC’s investigation will seek to determine if police procedures contributed to the tragic outcome.
