Welsh Grand National-winning trainer Evan Williams has been jailed for three years after assaulting a dog walker on his land in south Wales.
Williams, 55, repeatedly struck Martin Dandridge, 72, with a hockey stick during the attack at Williams’ land in Llancarfan in December 2024. Dandridge, who is from Swindon, suffered injuries including a fractured arm.
The case has raised serious questions about the future of the stables associated with Williams. In court, barrister told the judge that the future of the stables is now in doubt.
The assault took place on land belonging to the trainer, who has been a notable figure in racing after winning the Welsh Grand National. The sentencing brings an end to a case that drew attention because of both Williams’ profile in the sport and the circumstances of the incident.
The court heard that Williams attacked Dandridge while he was on the land. The assault led to significant injuries, and the sentence reflects the seriousness of the offence.
In remarks reported from the case, a barrister told the court: “It is never acceptable to take law into own hands.”
The incident happened in Llancarfan, in south Wales, in December 2024. Dandridge’s injuries included a fractured arm, and the court proceedings have now concluded with a prison sentence of three years for Williams.
The case has left the racing world facing uncertainty over what comes next for the trainer’s operation. With the stables’ future now in doubt, the consequences of the assault extend beyond the criminal sentence itself.
