May 23, (THEWILL) – Former Manchester United defender Brandon Williams has avoided imprisonment after pleading guilty to dangerous driving that resulted in a collision while travelling at 99mph with a nitrous oxide balloon in his mouth.
Chester Magistrates’ Court imposed a 14-month suspended sentence for two years, alongside a three-year driving ban and 180 hours of community service for the 24-year-old footballer.
The incident occurred in August 2023 on the A34 near Wilmslow, Cheshire, when Williams was driving his Audi A3 at excessive speed while uninsured.
Witnesses reported seeing both Williams and his female passenger with yellow balloons in their mouths, though the prosecution did not suggest Williams was impaired by nitrous oxide during the collision.
The court heard Williams had been tailgating vehicles before attempting to overtake a Ford Fiesta containing three passengers, clipping the rear of the vehicle and causing it to spin around before crashing into the central reservation.
The occupants of the Ford Fiesta sustained seatbelt and whiplash injuries and have since experienced anxiety when returning to the road. One passenger told prosecutors she “felt like she was going to be killed” during the collision.
The Ford Fiesta was written off following the crash, while Williams and his passenger were also injured in the incident.
Recorder Eric Lamb noted that Williams was suffering from depression at the time of the offence, following the end of his Manchester United contract in June 2023. Defence counsel Richard Littler told the court Williams had described his actions to probation officers, saying: “I was driving like an idiot over the speed limit and showing off.”
The court heard Williams has since worked with coaches to improve his mental and physical wellbeing while seeking a new football contract.
Williams, who joined United at age seven and has two previous driving bans, must complete an extended driving test before regaining his licence.
The court acknowledged his charitable work with homeless charity Shelter and his care for his nephew with special needs. Williams appeared in court wearing a black suit and tie, supported by his parents in the public gallery, and the judge noted his genuine remorse for the incident.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
