Trial Date Confirmed for Men Charged in Sutton Coldfield Golf Course Death

The trial for three men accused of causing the death of a woman at Aston Wood Golf Club in Sutton Coldfield will commence on January 12, 2025. Suzanne Cherry, aged 62, was struck by a grey Nissan van at the golf course on April 11, 2025, following a police pursuit. She was airlifted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham but succumbed to her injuries four days later on April 15.

Following the incident, Staffordshire Police charged the three men involved with multiple offences. John McDonald, 51, from Bloxwich, faces charges of manslaughter, assault by beating, and failing to stop a vehicle when directed by police. His son, Johnny McDonald, 22, from Netherton, Dudley, along with Brett Delaney, 34, from Darlaston, Walsall, have both been charged with manslaughter. All three defendants pleaded not guilty and are set to appear at Worcester Crown Court, with the trial expected to last for seven weeks.

Investigation and Oversight

The circumstances surrounding the incident prompted the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) to launch an independent investigation. This inquiry focused on the police pursuit that occurred prior to the collision, which involved officers from West Midlands Police responding to reports of suspicious activity.

A spokesperson for the IOPC stated, “We independently investigated the circumstances of a pursuit involving West Midlands Police prior to the collision at Aston Wood Golf Course on April 11, 2025. We examined the actions and decisions of the officers involved to ensure compliance with national and local police policy, procedure, and training.”

The IOPC’s investigation concluded in October, and findings will be published after all related legal proceedings to avoid any potential prejudice. The spokesperson extended sympathies to the family of Suzanne Cherry, emphasizing the serious nature of the incident.

As the trial approaches, the community remains impacted by the tragic events that unfolded at the golf club. With the legal proceedings set to begin in early January, attention will be focused on both the defendants and the actions of law enforcement leading up to the collision.