A young mother disregarded a driving ban for drug offenses and crashed her SUV while being pursued by police after indulging in a cocaine binge shortly after leaving an NHS mother and baby unit. Zara Ferns, 26, had been discharged from the hospital with her infant son after experiencing severe postnatal issues. She left her baby with his grandmother to use cocaine at a friend’s place, leading to her arrest during a high-speed police chase where she drove recklessly and collided with a sign.
Upon testing her for drugs, authorities noticed white powder around Ferns’ nose, but she refused to provide a sample for analysis. Ferns later expressed confusion about her actions, claiming she had no recollection of why she took drugs, got into the vehicle, or drove. Investigations revealed that she was driving while banned due to a previous drug driving conviction.
Facing charges at Warrington Magistrates Court, Ferns admitted to dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, failing to stop for police, failing to provide a specimen for analysis, and driving without insurance. Despite the possibility of a two-year prison sentence, she received a 12-month suspended sentence for 18 months, citing the need to care for her four-month-old son.
Social services confirmed satisfaction with the child’s care arrangements. Ferns had previously been under supervision at the mother and baby unit due to postnatal psychosis, but her situation deteriorated after discontinuing medication in January. Miss Chelsea Keans, the prosecutor, detailed the police pursuit incident where Ferns, driving a silver Omoda 5, evaded officers at high speed before crashing into a sign.
In her defense, Ferns’ solicitor highlighted her recent struggles and the abrupt halt to her medication regimen, leading to erratic behavior. The court imposed a three-year driving ban, £272 in costs and surcharge, mandatory rehabilitation activities, and an extended driving test before Ferns can regain her license. District Judge Ian Barnes acknowledged Ferns’ challenges, including mental health issues and medication changes, while emphasizing the impact of custody on her responsibilities as a young parent.
