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 serious injuries, including a fractured arm. Williams, 55, used a hockey stick to repeatedly strike Dandridge during the altercation.
Despite denying the charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, Williams was found guilty by a unanimous jury after a trial at Cardiff Crown Court. The judge, 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 also referenced a prior incident where Williams had been threatened with a shotgun by poachers on his land, but emphasized that this did not justify taking the law into his own hands.
Williams, a multiple Grade One-winning trainer, has had success at the Cheltenham Festival, but his conviction has led to his wife, Cath, taking over his license.