A MUM-of-five who led cops on a high-speed chase before smashing into a van has tragically died following her release from prison.
An investigation has been launched after Emma Tuff, 36, died last month following her release from HMP Styal in Wilmslow, Cheshire.
Tuff was jailed in March 2021 after she led cops in a terrifying 70mph chase while driving more than twice the speed limit, a court heard.
She repeatedly failed to stop for officers while zooming in her Renault Megane in Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester – a 30mph town.
Minshull Street Crown Court heard the mum went through multiple red lights and overtook a number of cars during the three-minute pursuit.
It only came to an end when she flew through a red light at a blind junction and slammed into a passing Ford Transit van, sending it flying.
Tuff pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and was jailed for 14 months, a sentence she saw out at the women’s only jail in Cheshire.
And following her tragic death on October 24, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) confirmed a probe was underway.
The PPO – a watchdog that investigates all prison custody and post-release deaths – has not released further details of Tuff’s death.
Information including her date of birth has since been posted on the watchdog’s website and it confirmed an investigation is “in progress”.
One of Emma’s close pals, Aimee, has launched a GoFundMe to raise money for her funeral.
In a touching tribute, Aimee wrote: “I’m fundraising for the sudden passing of Emma tuff my beautiful soul sister, a young mother of 5.
“Emma was a beautiful woman and loving mother, beautiful and caring inside and out.
“… at the young age of 36 she didn’t deserve to die like this and she would do and has done so much for a lot of people.
“I’m doing to help her have the most beautiful send off that she deserves and take a-bit of of weight off her family.
“Emma will always me so much more than what became of so please treasure all the best memories of her.”
Manchester Evening News reported the incident happened on April 14, 2020.
Prosecuting, Victoria Lewis told the court Tuff had no insurance or licence and was banned from driving at the time of her offence.
Ms Lewis said: “She turned left onto Hope Street then back onto Princess Road, then turned left onto Mossley Road and failed to give way.
“She went through a red traffic light and turned onto Montague Road.
“She was driving at 70mph in a 30mph zone.
“She continued onto Stamford Street at speeds of 60mph and then turned left onto Park Road at speeds of 74mph.”
Tuff, who had two male passengers with her, overtook a number of vehicles before driving 50mph through a red light at a blind junction.
She then smashed into the Ford Transit – leaving the driver with whiplash – and was arrested shortly after.
Ms Lewis told the court the van driver “flinches when she sees a car speeding” and “struggles being a passenger”.
Tuff had 15 previous convictions for 32 offences, including dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and driving with excess alcohol.
Defence lawyer Steven Sullivan said: “She tells me she was being urged by the two male passengers to get away from the police.
“It’s quite clear Ms Tuff does not enjoy good health, she has very difficult personal circumstances and a difficult family background.
“It’s in my submission that the court can take a chance on her.”
Tuff told the judge: “I’m very sorry for my actions on that day – I was suffering.”
The Ministry of Justice has been approached for comment.
