A former Norwich City footballer has admitted to dangerous driving following a crash involving an Audi A3 in Cheshire.
Brandon Williams, who made 26 appearances for the Canaries during the 2021-22 campaign, was driving the vehicle when it collided with a Ford Fiesta on the A34 on August 20, 2023.
According to witnesses, the 24-year-old was traveling at 99mph with a balloon in his mouth just four seconds before the crash, which occurred at 6:17 pm.
A female passenger accompanied him, and at one point, she was seen recording on her phone.
The crash caused significant damage to Williams’ car, the Ford Fiesta, and the central reservation of the road.
Emergency services were called, and Williams underwent a breathalyzer test, which returned a negative result.
The former Premier League player—who was on loan at Ipswich Town from Manchester United at the time—was taken to the hospital before being moved to Middlewich custody suite.
In a prepared statement, Williams admitted to being the driver but claimed the accident was caused by another motorist’s actions, which forced him to swerve into the central reservation.
When questioned about the witnesses’ reports of him having a balloon in his mouth, he responded with “no comment.”
Williams was subsequently arrested and charged with dangerous driving and operating a vehicle without third-party insurance.
He appeared before Cheshire Crown Court on Friday, where he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving. His sentencing is scheduled for May 9 at Chester Crown Court.
Andrew Madden, a senior crown prosecutor with CPS Mersey-Cheshire, stated:
“Brandon Williams’ driving that day fell significantly below the expected standard of a competent and responsible driver.
“Expert analysis confirmed he was traveling at 99mph just moments before colliding with the Ford Fiesta.
“Witnesses observed him accelerating and then braking sharply, clearly struggling to control the vehicle.
“His driving was erratic and at a dangerously high speed, ultimately leading to the crash.
“It is fortunate that no one suffered serious injury or worse.”
