Evan Williams, a renowned horse trainer, has been sentenced to three years in prison for a violent assault on a dog walker who was on his property. The incident occurred on December 4, 2024, when Williams, 55, attacked 72-year-old Martin Dandridge with a hockey stick, leaving him with serious injuries, including a fractured arm.
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 in March. During the sentencing, Recorder Angharad Price condemned Williams' actions, stating that he had made a choice to confront the victim instead of waiting for the police to arrive.
The judge also referenced a previous incident where Williams had been threatened by poachers on his land, but emphasized that it was never acceptable to take the law into one's own hands. Williams, a multiple Grade One-winning trainer, has had notable success at the Cheltenham Festival, but his conviction has led to his wife taking over his licence.