WEST Ham United's Aaron Wan-Bissaka was present to support his partner as she appeared in court charged in connection with a collision that left a pedestrian seriously hurt.
April Francis, 28, is accused of losing control of her Mercedes G-Class SUV while attempting to overtake a street sweeper on a road with a 30mph limit.
The incident, which took place in September, reportedly left the victim, a woman in her 50s, with life-altering injuries.
Last month, The Sun revealed that Francis, who shares a child with Wan-Bissaka, was facing prosecution over the crash in Brentwood, Essex.
She attended Colchester Magistrates' Court, accompanied by the £55million-rated defender, who featured in West Ham's match against Bournemouth the previous evening.
Exclusive images captured the couple arriving in a darkened van.
Once in the dock, Francis, dressed in a white skirt and grey cardigan, spoke only to verify her name, age, and address.
Wan-Bissaka, wearing a black padded jacket, observed proceedings from the public gallery alongside a companion.
Daniel Jackson, Francis's legal representative, informed the court that he had requested the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) consider reducing the charge from dangerous driving to careless driving.
Jackson stated: "The defence submitted different representations to the CPS yesterday regarding an alternative disposal of this matter.
"Unusually, in this case, there is no collision investigation report by the police.
"We're very keen in the circumstances to avoid this charge being prematurely resolved. My representations are it is below the threshold for dangerous driving."
District Judge Christopher Williams outlined the allegations, stating Francis is accused of overtaking a street sweeper on a bend, losing command of her vehicle, and subsequently striking a pedestrian.
The judge granted a one-month adjournment, allowing prosecutors to review the case further and reach a decision on how to proceed.
Consequently, the CPS must now determine whether to amend the charge or continue with the original prosecution.
Francis, who has been in a relationship with the footballer since 2020, could face up to five years in prison if convicted of dangerous driving.
A conviction or guilty plea for the lesser offence of careless driving would likely result in a non-custodial sentence. That charge carries a maximum penalty of two years' imprisonment, which may be suspended.
Francis was formally charged last month via postal requisition.
She remained at the scene following the collision and voluntarily participated in an interview with authorities.
She has been released on unconditional bail and is scheduled to return to court in March.
