Former Manchester United defender Brandon Williams has been handed a 14-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, after crashing his Audi A3 at nearly 100mph on the A34 in Cheshire. The 24-year-old, who was once paid £3.4 million per year, admitted dangerous driving and was also banned from driving for three years and ordered to complete 180 hours of unpaid work.
The court heard that Williams was driving erratically and trying to show off to a female passenger before the crash on August 20, 2023. He hit a Ford Fiesta and careered into the central reservation. A witness reported seeing him with a balloon by his mouth, though Williams denied using nitrous oxide himself, accepting that his passenger was inhaling the substance.
Prosecutor Max Saffman said it was 'fortunate' that nobody was seriously injured or killed. The victims suffered whiplash, bruising, and psychological trauma. One passenger said she thought she was going to be killed. Collision investigators estimated Williams was driving at 99mph just four seconds before the crash.
Judge Eric Lamb told Williams there was 'no reason for driving in the way you did' but noted 'strong personal mitigation' due to depression at the time of the offence. The footballer, now without a club after being released by Manchester United last June, had also incurred eight other driving offences and previous bans.
Williams' defence highlighted his work for homeless charity Shelter and care for his disabled nephew as points of good character. The judge said Williams had been 'stupid' and earned 'too much too soon', but credited his guilty plea.
