Trainer Receives Three-Year Prison Sentence for Assault on Dog Walker

Evan Williams, a 55-year-old trainer, has been sentenced to three years in prison for a violent assault on a 72-year-old dog walker who was walking on his land. The incident occurred on December 4, 2024, at Williams' property in Llancarfan, Vale of Glamorgan, south Wales, where he repeatedly struck Martin Dandridge with a hockey stick, resulting in serious injuries, including a fractured arm. Despite denying the charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, Williams was found guilty by a unanimous jury after a 90-minute deliberation at Cardiff Crown Court in March. In her 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 highlighted an earlier incident where Williams had been threatened with a shotgun by poachers on his land, but emphasized that this did not justify taking the law into his own hands. Williams, a renowned multiple Grade One-winning trainer, will now serve a three-year prison term. His wife, Cath, has taken over his training license following his conviction.