Evan Williams, a well-known horse trainer, has been sentenced to three years in prison for assaulting Martin Dandridge with a hockey stick. The conviction comes after a jury found Williams guilty of causing grievous bodily harm, despite his denial of intent. The incident took place on December 4, 2024, when Williams, 55, confronted Dandridge, 72, who was walking his dog at night.
During the trial held at Cardiff Crown Court in March 2026, it was revealed that Williams approached Dandridge after spotting him on his land. Dandridge was using a torch, which Williams misinterpreted as an act of lamping—using bright lights to locate animals. This misunderstanding led to a violent confrontation, resulting in Dandridge suffering a fractured arm and other injuries.
Recorder Angharad Price, who presided over the case, described the assault as an “appalling offence” and emphasized the seriousness of the injuries inflicted on Dandridge. “It is never acceptable to take the law into your own hands,” Price stated during sentencing. She highlighted that Williams had a choice that night to wait for police intervention instead of taking matters into his own hands.
The jury took just 90 minutes to deliberate before reaching a unanimous verdict against Williams. This conviction marks a significant turn in the life of a trainer who has enjoyed considerable success in the horse racing industry. Williams established Evan Williams Racing in 2003 and has trained notable horses, including Secret Reprieve, which won the Welsh Grand National in 2020.
Williams’s career has been marked by impressive achievements, including top-four finishes in five consecutive Grand Nationals at Aintree between 2009 and 2013. His reputation as a multiple Grade One-winning trainer has now been overshadowed by this criminal conviction.
Defense attorney William Bebb argued that Williams was filled with rage due to his background with lampers, suggesting that the confrontation was fueled by a long-standing concern for his property and the safety of his horses. However, the jury found that this did not justify the violent actions taken against Dandridge.
As the horse racing community processes this incident, questions remain about the future of Evan Williams’s career and the impact of his conviction on his training business. Observers are keen to see how this will affect his standing in the industry and whether he will be able to return to the sport after serving his sentence.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential appeals against the conviction or further legal actions that Williams may pursue. The case has sparked discussions about the responsibilities of landowners and the appropriate responses to perceived threats.