Headmaster jailed for spanner attack on deputy in love triangle

Headmaster Sentenced for Assaulting Deputy

A married headmaster, Dr. Anthony John Felton, fathered a love child with a teacher and attacked his deputy with a spanner. This incident led to his sentencing of two years and four months in jail for assaulting his rival in a jealous rage.

Details of the Assault

Footage captured the moment Felton attacked his love rival, Richard Pyke, who suffered head injuries. The incident occurred at St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Port Talbot, South Wales, in March last year. Felton, 54, became jealous after discovering that both he and Pyke were having an affair with the same woman, also a teacher.

Felton’s Reflections

Felton expressed regret for attacking Pyke and dreams of apologizing to him. He mentioned that he dreaded his time in prison but formed “genuine friendships” during his stay at HMP Swansea. He stated that he could not change the past.

Felton wrote in the prison newspaper Inside Time that he was terrified and feared being “raped or beaten up.” He asked for support for his trauma while incarcerated. He noted that he had lost his career and much trust from family and friends.

Impact on Victim

Judge Paul Thomas, during sentencing, highlighted the profound impact of the attack on Pyke. He stated that Pyke thought he was Felton’s friend but was ambushed instead. In a victim impact statement, Pyke described feeling vulnerable and bewildered during the attack.

Abul Hussain from the Crown Prosecution Service remarked on the shocking nature of the violence from a professional in the workplace. He noted that such attacks often lead to life-changing injuries or fatalities, but thankfully, that was not the case here.

Felton admitted to attempted grievous bodily harm with intent and served six months in HMP Swansea.