Manchester United defender Brandon Williams inhaled nitrous oxide before his involvement in a 74mph crash, a court has heard.
Williams, 23, faced Magistrates over the accident which happened last year. Prosecutor Katie Johnson said he crashed his Audi A3 S Line motor at a speed of 74mph and had also been driving more than 90mph along the A34 in Wilmslow, Cheshire.
The defender, who is currently on loan at Ipswich Town, gave his address as his parents' residence in Harpurhey, Manchester. A court clerk said he denies the accusation of dangerous driving and that he does not accept responsibility for the crash.
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While Williams watched on from the dock, Ms Johnson said: “He was seen by witnesses to have taken nitrous oxide from balloons.” Williams also denied being impaired and driving without without insurance.
He appeared in the dock wearing a dark suit, white shirt and dark tie. Magistrates sent the case for trial at Chester Crown Court with a hearing on April 19. Williams was also granted unconditional bail.
Also known as 'laughing gas' and 'hippy crack', nitrous oxide is a drug and anaesthetic which can be inhaled from balloons. In November, it was given a Class C drug classification under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
The risks of taking it include heart attacks, stroke and brain damage. Prolonged used can also lead to depression, memory loss, incontinence, nerve damage and hallucinations.
As well as boasting more than a half century of appearances for United, Williams has also represented England at U20 and U21 level.
He returned to United's Carrington training base last month for a "medical assessment" and to work on his fitness. Williams last appeared for Ipswich in a 0-0 draw against Queens Park Rangers on December 29.
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