Former Manchester United star Brandon Williams has been sentenced after he crashed his Audi A3 while driving at almost 100mph
12:50, 23 May 2025Updated 12:56, 23 May 2025
Former Manchester United player Brandon Williams leaves Chester Crown Court
Former Manchester United player Brandon Williams leaves Chester Crown Court
Former Manchester United footballer Brandon Williams walked free from court after crashing his Audi A3 into another car at nearly 100mph.
The full back, 24, was said to be "showing off" when he sped down the A34 near Wilmslow, south of Manchester, on August 20, 2023. Williams, who was still signed to United at the time but soon loaned to Ipswich Town for the 2023-24 season, was spotted on the A34 near Handforth speeding and driving in an erratic manner.
A court previously heard the player, who is currently without a club, was seen with a female passenger as he hit speeds of 99mph in a 70mph zone, all with a balloon at his mouth. When later interviewed by police, he gave a prepared statement in which he denied his Audi had been out of control.
He blamed the crash on the actions of another driver, who he claimed forced him to swerve into the central reservation. Williams was asked about the witnesses who saw him with a balloon at his mouth, but he replied 'no comment'.
A court today heard he smashed into the rear of a Ford Fiesta, injured a driver and two passengers, and writing off the other vehicle.
Brandon Williams has since left Manchester United
Brandon Williams has since left Manchester United(Image: PA)
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Chester Crown Court was told the defender - who seconds beforehand had been doing 99mph in a 70mph zone - then hit a central reservation.
Williams admitted dangerous driving and driving without insurance at a previous court hearing. He was this morning sentenced to 14 months in prison, suspended for two years, reports the Manchester Evening News.
He was also ordered to complete 180 hours of unpaid work and was banned from driving for three years. The judge, Recorder Eric Lamb, said: "There was no reason for driving in the way you did."
During the hearing, Williams was told by Recorder Lamb that there was "strong personal mitigation". Reference was made to the footballer committing the offence while suffering with depression.
The court heard Williams is now back in football training and hopeful of earning a contract this summer.
Brandon Williams outside court
Brandon Williams outside court
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Andrew Madden, a senior crown prosecutor with CPS Mersey-Cheshire, said: "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.
"Witnesses said Williams kept speeding up and then breaking 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.
"It is fortunate no one was seriously injured or killed. To drive at 99mph in those circumstances was extremely dangerous and placed the lives of other road users at serious risk of harm. The Crown Prosecution Service wishes to thank the witnesses for supporting this prosecution."