A woman was killed in a fatal crash on a golf course, and three men have been charged with manslaughter in connection with the incident. A shocking police pursuit has raised questions about the actions of West Midlands Police officers.
A woman was killed in a fatal crash on a golf course, and three men have been charged with manslaughter in connection with the incident. Suzanne Cherry, 62, from Aldridge, died four days after being struck by a grey Nissan van at Aston Wood Golf Club in Little Aston.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the circumstances surrounding the police pursuit that led to the crash. West Midlands Police officers responded to reports of a car involved in suspicious activity, and specialist officers are continuing to support Mrs Cherry’s family.
John McDonald, 51, from Bloxwich, Johnny McDonald, 22, from Dudley, and Brett Delaney, 34, have been charged with manslaughter. John McDonald has also been charged with assault by beating and failing to stop a vehicle when directed by a constable.
Manslaughter charges refer to the criminal prosecution of individuals who cause the death of another person, but without the intent to kill.
This can include reckless or negligent behavior that results in a fatality.
There are two main types of manslaughter: voluntary and involuntary.
Voluntary manslaughter involves intentional actions leading to death, while involuntary manslaughter is a result of negligence or recklessness.
Penalties for manslaughter charges vary by jurisdiction, but often involve significant fines and imprisonment.
‘unselfish’ and someone who had an ‘amazing and infectious zest for life’ is how the family of Mrs Cherry described her. Her husband said that their future together was ‘snatched away in an instant’.
Three other men who were arrested in connection with the investigation have been bailed with conditions. The IOPC continues to investigate the circumstances prior to the crash.
