Full Breakdown
Racehorse Trainer Evan Williams Convicted of Assault
3/10/2026, 4:05:09 AM
Incident Overview
Evan Williams, a 54-year-old racehorse trainer, has been found guilty of assaulting 72-year-old Martin Dandridge with a hockey stick, resulting in a fractured arm. The incident occurred on December 4, 2024, on Williams' property in Llancarfan, Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales. Dandridge was walking his dog, Gulliver, in a paddock adjacent to Williams' racehorse training center when the assault took place.
Background of the Incident
The confrontation arose after Williams' family, concerned about previous incidents of fly-grazing, hare coursing, and poaching on their land, mistook Dandridge for someone "lamping"—a practice involving the use of bright lights to hunt animals. Upon discovering Dandridge, Williams approached him, demanding he extinguish his light, which he claimed could disturb his horses. Williams asserted that he intended to control Dandridge's dog, which he believed was out of control.
Court Proceedings and Verdict
After a jury at Cardiff Crown Court deliberated for 90 minutes, they found Williams guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. The prosecution argued that Williams acted out of rage due to his concerns about trespassers, while Williams maintained that Dandridge's injuries were the result of a fall caused by his dog. The court heard conflicting accounts regarding the circumstances of the assault, with the prosecutor suggesting that Williams sought to "teach those lampers a lesson."
Sentencing and Future Implications
Williams has been granted conditional bail until his sentencing on April 14, 2024. His defense attorney, David Elias KC, requested an adjournment to allow time for reports and to enable Williams to make arrangements for his racing business, which currently oversees 120 horses across two locations. Williams is scheduled to have runners at the Cheltenham Festival, highlighting the urgency of his commitments in the racing world.
Criticism and Opposition
The prosecution's case emphasized the severity of Williams' actions, framing the assault as a deliberate act of violence rather than a defensive response to a perceived threat. Critics of Williams argue that his background in racing and the responsibilities that come with it do not excuse his behavior, particularly given the serious nature of the injuries inflicted on Dandridge.
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What's Next
As Williams awaits sentencing, he faces the possibility of imprisonment, which could significantly impact his racing business and commitments. The court's decision on April 14 will determine the consequences of his actions and the future of Evan Williams Racing.
