Evan Williams, a 55-year-old trainer, has been sentenced to three years in prison for attacking a 72-year-old dog walker, Martin Dandridge, who was walking on his land in Llancarfan, Vale of Glamorgan, south Wales. The incident occurred on December 4, 2024, and resulted in Mr Dandridge suffering a fractured arm and other injuries. 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 in March. During the sentencing, Recorder Angharad Price stated that Williams had made a choice to confront Mr Dandridge instead of waiting for the police to arrive, and that his actions were unacceptable.
The judge also referenced an earlier 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 had a winning horse at the Cheltenham Festival.