Evan Williams Sentenced to Three Years for Assaulting Dog Walker

Evan Williams, a renowned horse trainer, has been sentenced to three years in prison for attacking a 72-year-old dog walker on his property. The incident, which occurred on December 4, 2024, left the victim, Martin Dandridge, with severe injuries, including a fractured arm. Williams, 55, used a hockey stick to repeatedly strike Dandridge during the altercation. Despite denying the charges, Williams was found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent by a unanimous jury after a 90-minute deliberation at Cardiff Crown Court. During the sentencing, Recorder Angharad Price condemned Williams' actions, stating that he had made a choice to confront Dandridge instead of waiting for the police to arrive. The judge highlighted that while Williams had a right to protect his family and champion racehorses, this did not justify the harm caused to Dandridge. The incident occurred just six weeks after Williams had a disturbing encounter with poachers on his land, during which he was threatened with a shotgun. The judge emphasized that taking the law into one's own hands is never acceptable and that calling the police is always the best course of action. Williams, a multiple Grade One-winning trainer, has enjoyed success at the Cheltenham Festival, including a recent win by Ask Brewster in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Handicap Chase.