Cheltenham Trainer Convicted of Vicious Hockey Stick Assault on Elderly Dog Walker
A prominent horse trainer scheduled to participate in the Cheltenham Festival is now confronting the stark reality of a potential prison sentence after being found guilty of a brutal assault on a 72-year-old dog walker. Evan Williams, aged 54, was convicted at Cardiff Crown Court for causing grievous bodily harm with intent, following an incident where he repeatedly struck Martin Dandridge with a hockey stick, resulting in a fractured arm among other injuries.
Violent Encounter on Training Ground Land
The assault occurred on December 4, 2024, when Mr Dandridge was walking his cockerpoo, Gulliver, on Williams' property in Llancarfan, Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales. The court heard that Williams' family, having spotted lights on their land, mistakenly believed Mr Dandridge was engaged in lamping—a practice involving bright lights to locate animals like rabbits and foxes, often with dogs. This misunderstanding escalated into violence, with Williams attacking the elderly man.
Prosecutor William Bebb argued in court that Williams was "filled with rage" due to past incidents of fly-grazing, hare coursing, and poaching on his property. Bebb suggested that Williams intended to "teach those lampers a lesson" by striking Mr Dandridge repeatedly while swearing and shouting. The jury deliberated for just 90 minutes before delivering a guilty verdict, underscoring the strength of the evidence against the trainer.
Defence Claims and Sentencing Adjournment
During the trial, Williams maintained his innocence, claiming that Mr Dandridge's injuries were caused by an out-of-control dog pulling him over rough terrain and into a drainage hole. He asserted, "If we hadn't acted in the way we had, Mr Dandridge could have been on his own, hit his head, and we could be looking at serious, serious, serious death." However, the prosecution dismissed this account as "nonsense," pointing to the severity and nature of the injuries sustained.
In a strategic move, Williams' defence barrister, David Elias KC, requested an adjournment of the sentencing hearing. Elias cited the need for a pre-sentence report and highlighted Williams' "very pressing commitments in the racing world this week" at the Cheltenham Festival. He argued that Williams, a father-of-three with a previously clean record, required time to arrange alternative management for his racing business in anticipation of a possible jail term.
Recorder Angharad Price granted the adjournment, extending Williams' conditional bail with a strict order prohibiting any contact with the complainant. Sentencing is now scheduled for April 14, allowing for the preparation of reports that will inform the court's final decision. This delay ensures Williams can fulfil his professional obligations at the festival before facing the consequences of his actions.
Broader Implications and Community Impact
The case has cast a shadow over the prestigious Cheltenham Festival, raising questions about the conduct of individuals within the racing community. Mr Dandridge, who was staying at a holiday cottage near Williams' training centre, has been left with significant physical and emotional trauma from the attack. The incident underscores ongoing tensions in rural areas regarding land use and perceived trespassing, often leading to confrontations between property owners and the public.
As the racing world focuses on the festival, the looming sentencing of Evan Williams serves as a stark reminder of the legal and moral responsibilities that come with property ownership and personal conduct. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how similar disputes are handled in the future, emphasising the importance of proportionate responses to perceived threats.
