Evan Williams, a renowned horse trainer, has been sentenced to three years in prison for a violent assault on a dog walker who had wandered onto his property. The incident occurred on December 4, 2024, at Williams' land in Llancarfan, Vale of Glamorgan, south Wales. Williams, 55, used a hockey stick to repeatedly strike 72-year-old Martin Dandridge, causing severe injuries, including a fractured arm.
Despite denying the charges, Williams was found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent by a unanimous jury verdict after a trial at Cardiff Crown Court. During sentencing, 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 highlighted an earlier incident where Williams had encountered poachers on his land and was threatened, but emphasized that this did not justify taking the law into his own hands.
Williams, a 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.