Former Manchester United defender Brandon Williams has been handed a 14-month suspended prison sentence following a dangerous driving incident in August 2023.
The 24-year-old footballer appeared at Chester Magistrates Court on Friday where he received the suspended sentence for driving at speeds of up to 99mph along the A34 near Wilmslow in Cheshire. Williams was also ordered to complete 180 hours of community service and has been banned from driving for three years.
According to court proceedings, Williams was driving a grey Audi A3 erratically, dangerously overtaking one vehicle before clipping another and ultimately crashing into the central reservation. The court was told Williams had been seen with a balloon at his mouth, though his defence barrister stated that while he had "previously used nitrous oxide," he was "not under the influence of Class C drug" during the incident.
A Promising Career Derailed
Williams, who made 51 appearances for Manchester United after breaking through under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2019, was once hailed as a potential successor to club great Gary Neville. His career also included loan spells at Norwich City and Ipswich Town before being released by United in 2024.
Sean O'Shea, a football coach currently helping Williams return to professional football, described the player's situation as a case of "too much money, too soon, and the inability to deal with all that brings." O'Shea suggested Williams had received "little guidance on the pitfalls of being a footballer."
The court heard that Williams' career took a downturn around the time of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. During this period, Williams struggled with isolation and mental health issues, particularly after moving away from his family support network.
Seeking Redemption
In recent podcast interviews, including one with former goalkeeper Ben Foster, Williams has spoken candidly about his struggles. "I go into this mode where I just don't care. I have this switch where I don't care what happens," he admitted.
Williams expressed regret for his actions, which his defence described as "stupid" with "no defence." Richard Littler, defending Williams, told the court: "In his report, the probation officer described him as a young man who is genuine in his realisation of the gravity of his actions."
At the time of the incident, Williams already had eight endorsements on his licence and had previously been disqualified under the totting up procedure.
Judge Eric Lamb, in issuing his decision, said Williams received credit for a guilty plea but showed "deliberate disregard" for the safety of others.
Despite his troubles, Williams is reportedly working with fitness coaches in hopes of securing a new contract this summer. His defence noted: "He is in a better shape mentally and physically right now."
The former United defender, who has been without a club since his release, now has the opportunity to resume his professional football career while serving his suspended sentence.
