Trainer Evan Williams Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Assault on Dog Walker

Evan Williams, a 55-year-old trainer, has been sentenced to three years in prison for a violent attack on a 72-year-old dog walker who was on his property. The incident, which occurred on December 4, 2024, in Llancarfan, Vale of Glamorgan, south Wales, left the victim, Martin Dandridge, with serious injuries, including a fractured arm. Williams, who denied the charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, was found guilty by a unanimous jury after a trial at Cardiff Crown Court. During the sentencing, Recorder Angharad Price condemned Williams' actions, stating that he had made a choice to confront the victim instead of waiting for the police to arrive. The judge also referenced a previous incident where Williams had encountered poachers on his land and was threatened with a shotgun, but emphasized that this did not justify his actions. Williams, a successful trainer with multiple Grade One wins, including at the Cheltenham Festival, will now serve a three-year prison sentence. His wife, Cath, has taken over his licence and recently achieved a win at the Cheltenham Festival with Ask Brewster.