A 26-year-old mother from Cheshire, who had recently been released from an NHS mother and baby unit, went on a cocaine binge and led police on a dangerous high-speed chase, crashing her SUV while under a drug-driving ban. Zara Ferns, from Runcorn, was arrested in the early hours of January 25 after a pursuit where she drove at more than twice the speed limit.
Dangerous Driving Incident Following Hospital Discharge
Ferns had been discharged from hospital in November after treatment for post-natal psychosis, but just weeks later, she left her newborn son with his grandmother to snort cocaine at a friend's house. She then got behind the wheel of her automatic Omoda 5, despite being banned from driving until February 2026 due to a previous drug-driving conviction.
Police Pursuit and Crash Details
During the chase, Ferns repeatedly veered over the central white line on Boston Avenue in Runcorn before colliding with a concrete sign. Officers noted white powder around her nose at the scene, and a roadside drug test indicated positive for cocaine. However, she failed to provide a sample for further testing, initially consenting to blood tests before rescinding that consent.
Prosecutor Miss Chelsea Keans described the incident: 'There was a 45-second pursuit when she travelled at more than twice the posted speed limit before colliding with a concrete sign. This was a deliberate decision to ignore the rules of the road, creating significant danger to other road users.'
Court Proceedings and Mitigating Circumstances
At Warrington Magistrates' Court, Ferns admitted to multiple offences including dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified, failing to stop for police, failing to provide a specimen, and driving without insurance. She faced up to two years in jail but received a suspended sentence.
In mitigation, her solicitor Brian O'Connor explained that Ferns had been taken off her medication for post-natal psychosis just days before the incident due to dangerously high liver function results. 'Her head was all over the place at the time,' he said, adding that she needed mental health support and family assistance.
Judge's Sentencing Remarks
District Judge Ian Barnes sentenced Ferns to 12 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, citing her young age, mental health issues, and responsibilities as a mother. 'I think your medication being stopped played at least some part in your actions that day,' he said. 'Your child would be badly impacted if you were sent to custody.'
Ferns was also banned from driving for three years, ordered to pay £272 in costs and surcharge, required to pass an extended retest before regaining her licence, and must attend 15 days of rehabilitation activity. Social services have reportedly expressed contentment with the current care arrangements for her four-month-old son.
