Former Manchester United Defender Brandon Williams Avoids Jail After Dangerous Driving Conviction

Former Man Utd star Brandon Williams

Former Manchester United defender Brandon Williams has been spared prison after admitting to dangerous driving at nearly 100mph. The 24-year-old footballer was handed a 14-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, following a court appearance where he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and driving without third-party insurance.

Brandon Williams in action for Manchester United

In addition to the suspended sentence, Williams was ordered to complete 180 hours of community service and received a three-year driving ban. The sentencing took place at Chester Crown Court, where details of the high-speed incident were revealed.

The incident took place in August 2023 on the A34 near Handforth, Cheshire, where Williams, driving with a balloon in his mouth, reached a top speed of 99mph before colliding with a Ford Fiesta. Although he tested negative for drugs and alcohol, the court heard that he had previously amassed 30 points on his licence and had been banned from driving twice — once for six months in October 2023, and again for 12 months in May 2024.

Brandon Williams has not played since late 2023, when he was on loan at Ipswich Town

Prosecutors stated that Williams’ erratic speeding and braking posed serious danger, with one official describing his behavior as “grossly excessive” and “far below the standard of a competent and careful driver.” Witnesses reported that Williams lost control of the vehicle before crashing, and it was deemed fortunate that no one was killed.

Recorder Eric Lamb acknowledged Williams’ “strong personal mitigation,” citing depression as a factor at the time of the offence. Williams has spoken candidly about his struggles with mental health, fame, and the pressures of early success during his time in the Premier League.

Brandon Williams has been without a club since his Manchester United contract ended last summer

Williams joined Manchester United’s academy at the age of eight and rose through the ranks before making his senior debut in 2019 under Ole Gunnar Solskjær. He made 36 appearances in the 2019–20 season and signed a four-year contract in 2020. However, his playing time dwindled the following season, leading to loan spells at Norwich City and Ipswich Town.

Despite showing promise early in his career, including high praise from Solskjær for his bravery and fearlessness, Williams has not played in over a year. His off-field challenges, including the crash just before his loan spell at Ipswich, have cast a shadow over his once-bright career.

Brandon Williams has spoken openly about his issues in recent podcast appearances

Creative setbacks, public scrutiny, and distractions from people in his social circle further derailed his focus. Williams described the intense pressure and fast rise to fame, revealing that the pandemic and isolation deeply impacted his mental health.

After being released by Manchester United in the summer of 2023, Williams has remained a free agent. Speaking recently on a podcast, he admitted he hasn’t been ready to return to the game but is open to continuing his career abroad. “I want to go somewhere 100% focused and kick on. I would like to experience a different culture. I'm only 24 so I could do three or four years abroad,” he said, pointing to interest from clubs in Europe, America, and England.

While he escaped incarceration, Williams’ football career now hangs in the balance. Once a rising star at Old Trafford, he is seeking redemption and a new beginning away from the spotlight.