Ex-Man Utd player handed suspended sentence for high-speed crash

The 24-year-old, who left Manchester United last summer and has yet to sign with another club, was driving erratically along a Cheshire road on 20 August 2023 when his vehicle struck a Ford Fiesta carrying three occupants, who sustained minor injuries.

The court heard that both Williams and his passenger had yellow balloons in their mouths. However, the Crown Prosecution Service stated that nitrous oxide consumption did not contribute to the crash.

Williams' lawyer told the court that his client was "ashamed and deeply regrets what happened", adding that while Williams had previously used nitrous oxide recreationally, on this occasion he was merely assisting his passenger and was not under the influence himself.

The footballer’s sentence has been suspended on the condition that he does not reoffend within the next two years. In addition, his driving licence has been revoked for three years, and he has been ordered to complete 180 hours of community service.

Since leaving United after a brief loan spell at Ipswich Town, Williams has been working with psychologists and trainers to improve his mental and physical health. He hopes to secure a new club ahead of the upcoming season.