A three-year prison sentence has been handed down to trainer Evan Williams for a violent attack on a dog walker who entered his property. The incident, which took place on December 4, 2024, at Williams' land in Llancarfan, Vale of Glamorgan, south Wales, left 72-year-old Martin Dandridge with serious injuries, including a fractured arm. Williams, 55, used a hockey stick to repeatedly strike the victim. 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.
In her sentencing, Recorder Angharad Price condemned the attack, stating that Williams had made a choice to confront the victim instead of waiting for the police to arrive. The judge referenced a prior incident where Williams had encountered poachers on his land and was threatened, acknowledging the fear he must have felt but emphasizing that it is never acceptable to take the law into one's own hands.
Williams, a renowned trainer with multiple Grade One wins, including successes at the Cheltenham Festival, will now serve a three-year prison term.