Zara Ferns, a 26-year-old new mother in Runcorn, was involved in a dangerous police chase after consuming cocaine, just weeks following her discharge from a NHS mother and baby unit due to severe postnatal issues. During her reckless driving, she was spotted by a police officer swerving across the road before the chase escalated, reaching speeds twice the legal limit and ultimately crashing into a concrete sign.

Despite being on a drug driving ban, Ferns chose to leave her newborn son with his grandmother to engage in drug use at a friend's house, demonstrating a troubling disregard for her responsibilities as a parent. When apprehended after the crash, police noted the presence of a white powder around her nose, which is indicative of recent cocaine use, but she refused to provide a sample for testing, complicating the legal repercussions she may face.

This incident highlights the serious concerns surrounding drug abuse and its impact on parenting, particularly in the context of postnatal mental health struggles. The case poses questions about the effectiveness of support systems for new mothers dealing with substance abuse and raises awareness about the risks posed to both the individual and their dependents when such behavior occurs.