Mother's High-Speed Chase, Jail Time Suspended

0:00On March 6, a 26-year-old new mother from Runcorn and Cheshire led police on a high-speed chase while high on cocaine, just weeks after, leaving a hospital mother and baby unit. Zara Fern smashed her SUV into a concrete sign after driving twice the speed limit, ignoring her driving ban from a prior drug offense. This happened in the early hours of January 25, and she had left her newborn son with his grandmother beforehand. Police first spotted her veering over the center line multiple times before signaling her to pull over. She briefly stopped, then sped off, ending in a 45-second pursuit that forced officers to end it due to the danger. At the scene, they noted white powder around her nose and a positive roadside test for cocaine, though she later refused the blood sample. Ferns had battled severe postnatal psychosis, spending time in an NHS unit before discharge last November on medication. Days before the crash, doctors stopped the meds due to liver issues beyond her control, leaving her vulnerable. In court, her lawyer highlighted these mental health struggles and family

1:04support needs. She pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, failing to stop her police, refusing a specimen and no insurance, facing up to two years behind bars. The judge spared her immediate jail time, opting for a 12-month prison sentence suspended for 18 months, considering her four-month-old. Son's care. Social services now say the child is safe and well-loved after with family involvement. Ferns also got a three-year driving ban, must pass an extended test to drive again, complete 15 days of rehab, and pay 272. Pounds and fees, giving her a chance to rebuild at home.