A seemingly ordinary day on the golf course turned into a nightmare for Suzanne Cherry and her family, leaving them grappling with unimaginable loss.
Suzanne, a devoted mother and soon-to-be grandmother, was fatally struck while searching for a golf ball, a victim of a high-speed police chase gone horribly wrong.
Her husband, Clint Harrison, and their family are still reeling from the shock, and the grief has been compounded by a shocking blow from the authorities: they were told they would not receive any compensation for Suzanne’s death because, in official terms, it wasn’t “violent enough.”
The Horrific Incident
Suzanne’s injuries were devastating.
Her ribs were shattered, carotid arteries torn, and her liver and spleen lacerated.
She underwent an emergency blood transfusion and was airlifted to a hospital, where doctors had to amputate a leg.
Tragically, a CT scan revealed irreparable brain damage, and she passed away just one day before her 63rd birthday.
Clint Harrison, still heartbroken after 18 years with his beloved wife, described reliving the trauma of that day. “Suzanne’s fragile body shattered in front of my eyes,” he said.
“Her scream just before the impact haunts me every moment of every day. My beautiful wife was taken from us in a senseless act of violence.”
Compensation Denied in Shocking Decision
Adding to the family’s grief, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) rejected their application for financial support.
Clint, who had applied alongside five family members for £5,000 each to help with funeral costs, called the decision “disgusting” and “outrageous.”
In a letter, CICA offered condolences but cited the eligibility criteria of their scheme as the reason for denial.
“Regrettably, the information available to me does not support a crime of violence,” the letter read.
Clint expressed disbelief: “What really hurt was them saying Sue’s death was not violent enough for compensation.
How much more violent could it have been? It is shocking.”
The Court Case and Sentences
The driver responsible, John McDonald, 52, had led police on a dangerous 12-minute chase, reaching speeds of 70mph through residential streets and mounting pavements.
Attempting to escape via the golf course, McDonald struck Suzanne, then stepped over her body as her husband screamed after him.
McDonald received a sentence of 13 years and six months for causing death by dangerous driving, along with a concurrent 48-month sentence for conspiracy to commit fraud.
His son, Jonny McDonald, 23, was jailed for 32 months, while accomplice Brett Delaney, 35, faces 28 months in prison.
Clint and Suzanne’s brothers felt the sentences did not match the severity of the crime.
“The sentence was not nearly long enough,” Clint said.
“But the judge did a fantastic job within the constraints of the law. Hands are tied by the Government who refuse to invest in the prison system.”
Remembering Suzanne
Suzanne’s family remembers her as an extraordinary woman, an inspiration, and the heart of their lives.
Her brother, retired fire officer Adrian Cherry, said, “She was the eldest sibling and the kingpin of our family. We will never forget Sue.”
Steve Cherry, another brother, highlighted the outpouring of love at her funeral: “She had 450 people at her funeral and 70 cyclists following her procession.
Our 89-year-old mother was absolutely broken by her daughter’s death.”
Clint added that Suzanne’s kindness extended beyond family.
“He targeted the most vulnerable, our elderly. That is terrible. Suzanne was incredible and everyone loved her. She was my life and the light of our family.”
Seeking Justice and Moving Forward
While the family grapples with grief and injustice, they are pursuing a civil claim against the insurers of the van driver and considering a review of the compensation denial.
“We will not be intimidated by them,” Clint said. “We want justice for Sue and safety for others so that no one else suffers the way we have.”
Though a dark chapter has closed with the sentencing, the memory of Suzanne Cherry continues to shine brightly in the hearts of her family and everyone who knew her.
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