Legal Troubles for April Francis Amidst Premier League Struggles

April Francis may face imprisonment if convicted of driving dangerously and causing serious injury to a woman in her 50s last September on Hartswood Road, Brentwood, Essex. Reports indicate that former Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka was not present during the incident. Francis, who has been in a relationship with Wan-Bissaka since 2020 and shares a daughter with him, could potentially face jail time. This news comes shortly after Wan-Bissaka participated in West Ham’s 3-1 victory over Sunderland, a match that brought the team closer to safety in the Premier League standings.

Essex Police have confirmed that Francis, 27, has been charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving, with the injured woman now set to appear in court.

An Essex Police spokesperson stated: “A woman is due to appear in court charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving following a collision in Brentwood. At approximately 8:50 AM on September 23 of last year, officers responded to a collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian in Hartswood Road. The pedestrian, a woman in her 50s, sustained life-changing injuries. An investigation has been ongoing, led by our Roads Policing Unit, which has culminated in the charge against April Francis, 27, of East London.”

Causing serious injury by dangerous driving is classified as a severe motoring offense. If found guilty, Francis could face a maximum sentence of up to five years in prison. The charge was formally filed in January after police and prosecutors reviewed the evidence involved in the case. Wan-Bissaka, an international player for the DR Congo and a former Crystal Palace star, has not yet commented on the situation regarding his partner.

While Wan-Bissaka is focused on helping West Ham avoid relegation—currently sitting in the final relegation spot—his partner is scheduled to appear in court next month.

The Crown Prosecution Service has confirmed, “She [Francis] is due to appear for a first hearing at Colchester magistrates’ court on February 17.”

West Ham, currently ranked 18th in the league, will next compete against Chelsea this Saturday. Wan-Bissaka may have the opportunity to play four more matches before the court date.