New Mother Receives Suspended Sentence for Cocaine-Fuelled Police Pursuit
Zara Ferns, a 26-year-old new mother from Runcorn, Cheshire, has been handed a suspended prison sentence after leading police on a dangerous chase while under the influence of cocaine. The incident occurred just weeks after she was discharged from an NHS mother and baby unit where she had been treated for severe postnatal problems.
Erratic Driving and High-Speed Pursuit
In the early hours of January 25, PC Holland observed Ferns' silver Omoda 5 vehicle veering over the central white line three times on Boston Avenue in Runcorn. When the officer activated emergency lights and sirens, Ferns initially stopped before accelerating away at high speed.
The pursuit lasted approximately 45 seconds, during which Ferns drove at more than twice the posted speed limit before colliding with a concrete sign. Police noted she had white powder around her nose at the time of arrest and a roadside drug test indicated positive for cocaine.
Previous Driving Ban Ignored
Investigations revealed Ferns had been disqualified from driving until February 2026 following a previous conviction for drug driving in February of the previous year. Despite this ban, she chose to get behind the wheel after consuming cocaine at a friend's house.
"I have no idea why I took it, no idea why I got into the vehicle and no idea why I drove," Ferns later stated when questioned about the incident.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
At Warrington Magistrates Court, Ferns admitted to multiple offences including:
- Dangerous driving
- Driving whilst disqualified
- Failing to stop when required by a constable
- Failing to provide a specimen for analysis
- Driving without insurance
While facing up to two years in prison, District Judge Ian Barnes sentenced her to 12 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months. The judge cited her young age, mental health issues, and responsibility for her four-month-old son as mitigating factors.
Postnatal Health Complications
The court heard that Ferns had been confined to a mother and baby unit after experiencing "postnatal psychosis" but was discharged in November with medication. Just days before the incident, she was taken off this medication due to dangerously high liver function results.
In mitigation, her solicitor Brian O'Connor explained: "When she was released from the mother and baby unit she was placed on medication but she was taken off that medication a couple of days before this incident. She had gone around to a friend's address and been given some cocaine. At the time her head was all over the place."
Additional Penalties and Conditions
In addition to the suspended sentence, Ferns received:
- A three-year driving ban
- Requirement to pass an extended retest before regaining her licence
- 15 days of rehabilitation activity
- £272 in costs and surcharge
Social services have reportedly expressed contentment that her child is being properly cared for. Judge Barnes concluded: "You clearly have significant responsibilities for the young child - and they would be badly impacted if you were sent to custody."
