Ex-Man United star avoids jail for dangerous driving after 99mph crash

23 May 2025, 13:15 | Updated: 23 May 2025, 13:57

Former Manchester United full-back Brandon Williams has avoided jail for dangerous driving after he crashed into another car at almost 100mph.

Former Manchester United full-back Brandon Williams has avoided jail for dangerous driving after he crashed into another car at almost 100mph.

The 24-year-old was spotted driving at high speeds and in an erratic manner in an Audi A3 on the A34 near Handforth, Cheshire, on August 20, 2023.

His vehicle collided with a Ford Fiesta before crashing into the central reservation.

Williams, who was on loan at Ipswich at the time of the incident, was filmed moments earlier driving with a balloon in his mouth by his female passenger.

He admitted in Chester Crown Court he had been trying to show off to the women during the drive.

Prosecutors said the the former Manchester United full back, who was released from the club in June last year, was ‘fortunate’ nobody was seriously injured or killed.

The defender, who pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and having no insurance in March, was sentenced to a 14-month jail term at Chester Crown Court on Friday, suspended for two years.

He was also banned from driving for three years and ordered to undertake 180 hours of unpaid work as part of a community order.

Judge Eric Lamb told Williams he was "stupid" and said "there was no reason for driving in the way you did", before telling the footballer that he earned "too much too soon" after leaving Man Utd.

However, he added that there was "strong personal mitigation" after committing the offence at a time of depression.

The court heard that Williams' female passenger had filmed the pair during their journey.

He was breathalysed at the scene, providing a negative result, arrested with dangerous driving and not carrying third party insurance.

Andrew Madden, the CPS senior crown prosecutor, said: "Brandon Williams’ driving on that day clearly fell far below what would be expected of a competent and careful driver.

"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 a fortunate no one was seriously injured or killed."

Williams was handed his Manchester United debut by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2019.

He went on the make 51 appearances for United and won one cap for England’s Under 21s.

Last season, the full-back was sent on loan to Ipswich Town, but it was cut short after manager Kieran McKenna had become aware of issues with friends and family.

He is now without a club and admitted recently that he is struggling to watch football, but wants to make a return.

Speaking on the Fozcast podcast, Williams said: "It hurts me watching football now because I just want to be there, I just want to play. I miss being in a team, on the coach, travelling to games, having meals together and just doing things."

"I want to have that feeling again of winning and being around the changing room environment.‘I've had loads of teams trying to get me out - America, Europe and England - but I haven't been ready.

"I want to go somewhere 100% focused and kick on. I would like to experience that different culture. I'm only 24 so I could do three or four years abroad. Definitely Europe at a good club or an upcoming club."