Rogue Roofer Admits Death by Dangerous Driving After Police Chase

John McDonald

A man who admitted defrauding elderly vulnerable people by carrying out unnecessary roof work with his son and another man, was sentenced today after also admitting causing death by dangerous driving.

John McDonald, aged 52, of Bloxwich, West Midlands, his son Johnny McDonald, 23, of Dudley and Brett Delany, 35, of Darlaston, Walsall, were seen in a grey Nissan van on 11 April 2025.

Two West Midlands police officers in a marked car spotted them tailing an elderly victim who was on his way to a cash machine.

Worcester Crown Court was informed that the three men swindled four elderly and vulnerable victims out of tens of thousands of pounds for substandard and unnecessary roof work and unnecessary repairs as Approved Roofs Ltd.

(L-R) Brett Delaney and Johnny McDonald

Police Chase

Acting on reports of suspicious activity, the police officers followed the van driven by John McDonald which then sped off. The officers were forced to pursue the rogue gang in a high speed car chase lasting 12 minutes.

The van was driven “recklessly without a care for anyone”, the court heard. It reached speeds of 70mph in built-up residential areas with a 30mph limit. The van also collided with several cars as it weaved through traffic and veered onto the wrong side of the road. On several occasions, as the police car caught up with the van, its driver slowed down and then proceeded to reverse and ram into the pursuing police vehicle.

After a 12-minute chase, the van mounted the pavement and drove across a grassy bank onto the Aston Wood Golf Club course in Shenstone, Staffordshire.

Death by Dangerous Driving

Suzanne Cherry

On the golf course, Suzanne Cherry, 62, was enjoying a game of golf with her partner, Clinton Harrison.

Clinton Harrison saw the van approaching Suzanne at speed in ‘helpless horror’ as it plunged down the hill towards a stream where she was standing.

He shouted to his partner but there was no time for her to act and the van ploughed into Suzanne Cherry causing multiple injuries. She was taken by air ambulance to hospital where her leg was amputated. Suzanne Cherry died four days later on 15 April from extensive and severe injuries.

The three van occupants fled the scene including John McDonald who “actually stepped over Sue as he ran from the van”, Prosecutor Michael Burrows KC said.

The three men were found and arrested days later.

Rogue Roofer Jailed

On 12 January, 2026 at Worcester Crown Court, John McDonald, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving. He did not possess a driving licence.

Along with his son Johnny McDonald, and Brett Delany, he also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud related to roofing work between February and April 2025.

Initially, they were accused of manslaughter, a charge they refuted.

The court was informed that all three have prior convictions.

In a victim statement, Clinton Harrison said, “Suzanne had an amazing and infectious zest for life which touched everyone who was fortunate enough to know her.

“She was unselfish, always ready to encourage with love and support those around her to achieve more than they themselves thought possible.

“Suzanne leaves a legacy and an unfillable void in the lives of her mother Maureen, her three adult children, two stepchildren, granddaughter and countless others from her work, her sporting activities and social circle.

“Sue was loved and will be painfully missed by her entire family and friends.”

Today (13 January), John McDonald of Booth Street, Bloxwich, Walsall was sentenced to 13 years and 6 months with a simultaneous sentence of 4 years for conspiracy to commit fraud.

Presiding Judge James Burbidge KC told him “You killed a person and devastated many” and he would have to serve two-thirds of his sentence in prison before being released on licence.

Co-defendant and son Johnny McDonald, 23, of Molyneux Road, Netherton, Dudley, was sentenced to 32 months in prison and Brett Delaney, 35, of Michael Road in Darlaston, 28 months – both for conspiracy to commit fraud.

Det Insp Lisa Holland, from Staffordshire Police, described the sentencing as “an excellent result” but admitted no sentence would be enough for the family.

She added, “Our thoughts remain with Suzanne’s family and friends. I would like to thank Suzanne’s husband and her family for their support, strength, and bravery during this investigation especially during the court proceedings.”

>> Read about more roofing court cases in the news