Evan Williams Sentenced to Three Years for Assault on Dog Walker

Evan Williams, a renowned horse trainer, has been sentenced to three years in prison for a violent attack on a 72-year-old dog walker who was on his property. The incident occurred on December 4, 2024, at Williams' land in Llancarfan, Vale of Glamorgan, south Wales, where the victim, Martin Dandridge, suffered severe injuries, including a fractured arm, after being repeatedly struck with a hockey stick. Williams, 55, denied the charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent but was found guilty by a unanimous jury after a trial at Cardiff Crown Court. During the sentencing, the judge, Recorder Angharad Price, condemned Williams' actions as 'appalling' and emphasized that he had a choice to either confront the victim himself or wait for the police to arrive. The judge also referenced an earlier incident where Williams had encountered poachers on his land and was threatened with a shotgun, acknowledging the fear he must have felt but stressing 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. His wife, Cath, has taken over his licence following his conviction, and one of their horses, Ask Brewster, recently won the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Handicap Chase at Cheltenham.