Evan Williams, a Renowned Trainer, Sentenced to Three Years for Assaulting a Dog Walker

Evan Williams, a 55-year-old trainer, has been sentenced to three years in prison for attacking a 72-year-old dog walker on his property in Llancarfan, Vale of Glamorgan. The victim, Martin Dandridge, suffered severe injuries, including a fractured arm, after being repeatedly struck with a hockey stick by Williams on December 4, 2024. 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. Recorder Angharad Price condemned Williams' actions, stating that he had made a choice to confront the victim instead of waiting for police to arrive. The judge also referenced an incident six weeks prior, where Williams had encountered poachers on his land and was threatened with a shotgun, acknowledging the fear he must have felt but emphasizing that it was never acceptable to take the law into his own hands. Williams, a multiple Grade One-winning trainer, has had notable success at the Cheltenham Festival, including a recent win by Ask Brewster in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Handicap Chase, which was run under the name of his wife, Cath, who had taken over his licence after his conviction.