Horse racing trainer jailed after attacking elderly dog walker with hockey stick

Horse racing trainer jailed after attacking elderly dog walker with hockey stickEvan Williams was convicted of causing grievous bodily harm to a 72-year-old when he found him on his land in March and sent to prison by a judge in CardiffSportJon Lees11:47, 14 Apr 2026Updated 11:52, 14 Apr 2026View 3 ImagesEvan Williams: arriving for sentence at Cardiff Crown Court(Image: PA)Cheltenham Festival-winning trainer Evan Williams has been jailed for three years for attacking a dog walker who was on his land. Richard Evan Rhys Williams, known as Evan Williams, 55, repeatedly struck Martin Dandridge, 72, with a hockey stick during the assault.‌Mr Dandridge, from Swindon, Wiltshire, suffered injuries including a fractured arm in the incident on Williams' land at Llancarfan, Vale of Glamorgan, south Wales, on the evening of December 4 2024.‌The defendant denied a charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, but was convicted by a unanimous jury after 90 minutes of deliberations following a trial at Cardiff Crown Court in March.‌READ MORE: Billy Loughane ‘delighted’ with 2,000 Guineas favourite after Classic warm-upREAD MORE: Scottish Grand National confirmed runners and latest odds for 2026 raceOn Tuesday, Recorder Angharad Price sentenced Williams to three years in prison. She told Williams: "This is an appalling offence where you attacked Mr Dandridge causing him serious injuries."I know that you fully understand that he is still living with the impact of your actions on that day 16 months ago."The judge told Williams that he had a "choice" on that day - to confront Mr Dandridge himself or wait for nearby police to attend.‌View 3 ImagesEvan Williams: found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm(Image: PA)"When you gave evidence at trial, you talked very passionately of your champion racehorses and their security, you talked of protecting them from harm," she said."You also talked about protecting your family from harm. Howev...