Footie star’s lover in dock

WEST Ham’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka supported his girlfriend as she faced court over claims she hit a pedestrian in her car.

April Francis, 28, allegedly lost control of her Mercedes G-Class SUV vehicle while overtaking a street sweeper on a 30mph road.

The crash in September left the victim, in her 50s, with life-changing injuries.

We revealed last month that April, the mother of Wan-Bissaka’s child, was being prosecuted for the collision in Brentwood, Essex.

She appeared at Colchester magistrates’ court where she was supported by the £55million-rated ace, who played in last night’s game against Bournemouth.

Our exclusive pictures show the pair arriving in a blacked-out van.

In the dock, Ms Francis wore a white skirt and grey cardigan and spoke only to confirm her name, age and address.

Defender Wan-Bissaka wore a black, padded jacket as he and a pal watched from the gallery.

Ms Francis’s lawyer, Daniel Jackson, said he had asked the Crown Prosecution Service to alter the charge from dangerous driving to careless driving.

He said: “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 told the court Ms Francis was accused of overtaking a street sweeper on a bend, losing control of the vehicle and hitting a pedestrian.

He granted a month adjournment for prosecutors to re-examine the case and make a decision.

It means the CPS must now decide whether to alter the charge or proceed with the prosecution as planned.

Ms Francis, who has been with the player since 2020, could be jailed for up to five years if convicted of dangerous driving.

She would probably avoid immediate custody if she admits or is found guilty of the lesser careless driving charge. It carries a maximum punishment of two years in prison, which can be suspended.

Ms Francis was charged last month by postal requisition.

She did not flee the scene and submitted to a voluntary interview.

She was given unconditional bail to return to the court in March -Sun.