Horse Trainer Denies Hockey Stick Assault, Blames Dog for Injuries
A prominent horse trainer accused of attacking a dog walker on his land with a hockey stick has claimed the man actually fell over his out-of-control cockapoo. Richard Williams, known as Evan, is alleged to have repeatedly struck 72-year-old Martin Dandridge during a nighttime incident on December 4, 2024.
Conflicting Accounts in Court
Cardiff Crown Court heard that Williams, a 54-year-old Grand National trainer, intended to cause severe harm to Mr Dandridge, who was renting a holiday cottage near his horse training facility in Llancarfan, Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales. The prosecution alleges Williams drove to the scene after spotting lights and confronted Mr Dandridge while carrying a hockey stick.
Mr Dandridge, from Swindon, suffered injuries including a fractured arm during the altercation. He had been walking his daughter's cockapoo, Gulliver, in a paddock part of Williams's stables, using a flashlight because it was dark. Williams's family believed the lights indicated lamping—a nighttime hunting practice often targeting rabbits and foxes with dogs.
Prosecution's Version of Events
Prosecutor William Bebb stated that Williams asked Mr Dandridge, "What are you doing in my field with a lamp and a dog?" before allegedly striking him multiple times on the leg, chest, arm, and face. Mr Bebb argued that Williams was "filled with rage" due to previous issues with lampers and wanted to "teach them a lesson."
"You swung that hockey stick with such force it connected with his arm and that blow broke his arm," Mr Bebb told the court. He added that Williams ignored Mr Dandridge's pleas to stop, shouting and swearing while accusing him of trespassing.
Defense Claims Dog Caused Fall
Williams, a father of three, maintained he did not injure Mr Dandridge and denied wielding a hockey stick. He testified that Mr Dandridge was hurt after his "out-of-control" dog pulled him over rough terrain, causing him to fall into a drainage hole.
"I am not exaggerating that terrain. It is only a hazard if you are not aware of the gallops and what they're used for," Williams said. "Those gallops are only dangerous if you should not be there. Then they are treacherous."
Williams claimed he had a lead rein, not a hockey stick, and used it to assist with the dog. He suggested that without his intervention, Mr Dandridge could have suffered more serious injuries or even death from hitting his head.
Medical Evidence and Arrest
Mr Dandridge was taken to Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend, where an X-ray revealed he had fractured two bones in his arm. He denied the defense's suggestion that he broke his arm falling into a ditch.
Williams was arrested and interviewed by police the day after the incident but denied assaulting Mr Dandridge. He described the prosecution's account of an out-of-control dog as "nonsense," arguing that a dog walking its owner in unfamiliar countryside poses a severe hazard.
Trial Adjourned
Williams has pleaded not guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent and an alternative charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm. The trial was adjourned until Monday as the court continues to examine the conflicting testimonies and evidence.
