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

Evan Williams, a renowned horse 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 in December 2024, left the victim with serious injuries, including a fractured arm. Williams, 55, used a hockey stick to repeatedly strike the dog walker, Martin Dandridge, during the assault. Despite denying the charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, Williams was found guilty by a unanimous jury after a trial at Cardiff Crown Court. The judge, 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 been threatened by poachers on his land, but emphasized that it was never acceptable to take the law into one's own hands. Williams, a multiple Grade One-winning trainer, has had success at the Cheltenham Festival, but his conviction has led to his wife taking over his licence.