Evan Williams, a renowned horse trainer, has been sentenced to three years in prison for an assault involving a hockey stick. The victim, Martin Dandridge, 72, a dog walker, is reportedly seeking a review of the sentence, deeming it "too soft" through the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme. The Attorney General's Office has yet to decide if it will challenge the Crown Court's sentencing.
The core of the matter lies in the disparity between the perceived severity of the assault and the imposed punishment, with the victim's dissatisfaction fueling a potential legal challenge. Williams was found guilty by a jury at Cardiff Crown Court of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. The incident, which occurred on December 4, 2024, involved Williams repeatedly striking Mr. Dandridge with a hockey stick on Williams' land in Llancarfan, Vale of Glamorgan.
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The victim, Martin Dandridge, described the profound and lasting impact of the assault in a personal statement read to the court. He sustained significant injuries, including a fractured arm in two places, and is said to be suffering from lasting injuries and PTSD. Mr. Dandridge had been staying in a holiday cottage near Williams' property to be close to his daughter.
Williams, 55, a multiple Grade One-winning trainer with successes at the Cheltenham Festival, including a Welsh Grand National victory, reportedly approached Mr. Dandridge after noticing lights on his land. Williams claimed he was concerned the light might disturb his horses. The jury heard that Mr. Dandridge was in "complete shock" during what was described as a "frenzied" attack. During a police interview, Williams initially denied the assault and possession of a hockey stick.
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The judge, Recorder Angharad Price, stated that Williams "urgently raced to the paddock to deal with it yourself" instead of involving the police. The judge also referenced a prior incident six weeks before the assault, where Williams was threatened with a shotgun after disturbing poachers on his land, suggesting this might have influenced his actions. Williams has been bailed pending his sentencing on April 14, 2026. In the interim, a horse named Ask Brewster, running under his wife Cath's licence, won a race at Cheltenham.
