Former Manchester United defender Brandon Williams has escaped immediate prison time despite causing a dangerous high-speed crash that could have had fatal consequences, a court heard on Friday.
The 24-year-old full-back was handed a 14-month suspended prison sentence after pleading guilty to dangerous driving and driving without insurance following a terrifying incident that saw him reach speeds of 99mph before losing control of his vehicle.
Chester Crown Court imposed the suspended sentence alongside 180 hours of community service and a three-year driving ban, meaning Williams will only serve prison time if he commits another offence within the next two years.
The Dangerous Drive That Changed Everything
The incident occurred on August 20, 2023, when Williams was spotted driving erratically in an Audi A3 on the A34 near Handforth, Cheshire. Multiple witnesses reported seeing the footballer travelling at excessive speeds with a female passenger in the car.
Expert analysis revealed that Williams was doing 99mph in a 70mph zone just four seconds before the devastating collision. The dangerous driving pattern included repeated sharp acceleration followed by sudden heavy braking, clearly indicating the driver had lost control of the situation.
Crown Prosecution Service evidence showed Williams was seen with what appeared to be a balloon at his mouth during the incident, though he responded “no comment” when questioned about this detail during court proceedings.
The Crash and Its Aftermath
At approximately 6.17pm, Williams’ Audi collided with a blue Ford Fiesta before careering into the central reservation. Emergency services attended the scene, and Williams was breathalysed following the crash. The test returned negative results.
Fortunately, no fatalities occurred, but the incident highlighted the severe risks posed by such reckless driving on busy public roads.
Andrew Madden, senior crown prosecutor with CPS Mersey-Cheshire, emphasised the severity of the case: “Brandon Williams’ driving on that day clearly fell far below what would be expected of a competent and careful driver. Expert analysis showed that he was driving at 99mph four seconds before he hit the Ford Fiesta.”
Personal Struggles Behind the Wheel
During Friday’s sentencing hearing, recorder Eric Lamb acknowledged “strong personal mitigation” in Williams’ case. The court heard that the footballer was suffering from depression at the time of the offence, which was taken into consideration during sentencing.
However, the judge made clear that mental health struggles, while significant, could not excuse such dangerous behaviour that put innocent lives at risk.
Career in Freefall
At the time of the incident, Williams was still contracted to Manchester United but was spending the 2023-24 season on loan at Ipswich Town in the Championship. The crash occurred during what should have been a crucial period in his career development.
Williams left Old Trafford when his contract expired in June 2024 and remains without a club. The legal proceedings and subsequent conviction are likely to have impacted his ability to secure new employment in professional football.
The left-back had made 51 appearances for Manchester United’s first team between 2019 and 2024, showing promise as an academy graduate before his career stalled.
Court’s Strong Message
Prosecutor Andrew Madden continued his statement, painting a clear picture of the dangerous driving: “Witnesses said Williams kept speeding up and then braking sharply. It was clear he wasn’t in control of the vehicle. The driving was erratic and the speed was grossly excessive. Eventually, Williams lost control completely and crashed.”
The suspended sentence sends a clear message that while the court acknowledged Williams’ personal circumstances, dangerous driving that endangers public safety will face serious consequences.
The Road Ahead
Williams now faces a lengthy period away from driving, with his three-year ban meaning he cannot legally get behind the wheel until 2027. The 180 hours of community service must be completed alongside the suspended sentence conditions.
For a professional athlete whose career depends on reliability and discipline, the conviction represents a significant setback. Many football clubs conduct thorough background checks, and a dangerous driving conviction could affect future employment opportunities.
Learning from Consequences
The case serves as a stark reminder that professional footballers, despite their high-profile status, are not above the law. Williams’ actions on that August evening could easily have resulted in serious injuries or fatalities.
The suspended sentence offers Williams a second chance to rebuild his life and potentially salvage his football career, but only if he demonstrates the responsibility and maturity that was clearly lacking during the dangerous driving incident.
With depression cited as a contributing factor, the case also highlights the importance of mental health support for professional athletes facing career pressures and personal struggles.
Williams must now prove he can learn from this serious mistake and make better choices moving forward, both on and off the pitch.
