South Wales Police Mug Shot
Richard Evan Rhys Williams convicted of grievous bodily harm with intent
A champion horse trainer has been jailed for three years for attacking a 72-year old dog walker who was on his land.
Richard Evan Rhys Williams, known as Evan Williams, 55, repeatedly struck Martin Dandridge, with a hockey stick during the assault.
The incident occurred on the evening of December 4th 2024 when Mr Dandridge was mistaken for a poacher.
Dog walker, Mr Dandridge, from Swindon, Wiltshire, suffered injuries including a fractured arm on Williams’ land at Llancarfan, Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales.
The defendant denied a charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, but was convicted by a unanimous jury following a trial at Cardiff Crown Court in March.
On 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 highlighted that Williams had a “choice” that day, either to confront Mr Dandridge himself or wait for nearby police to attend.
She said, “When you gave evidence at trial, you talked very passionately of your champion racehorses and their security, you talked of protecting them from harm”.
“You also talked about protecting your family from harm. However, that protection should not have came at Mr Dandridge’s cost.”
The judge also described an incident that took place six weeks before the assault, where Williams disturbed poachers on his land and threatened them with a shotgun.
She stated, “The earlier incident you experienced with threats of violence to you and your home must have been very frightening.”
“It is never acceptable to take the law into your own hands. This sentence will be a lesson to you that it is always better to call the police if you think a crime is being committed.”
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