Headteacher uses spanner to attack deputy in jealous rage over affair with female staff

SHAH ALAM - A headteacher had attacked his deputy with an adjustable spanner in a jealous rage in Wales.

Anthony John Felton, 54, was jailed following the shocking assault that was caught on closed-circuit television (CCTV).

Felton had ambushed deputy headteacher Richard Pyke, 51, from behind at the St Joseph’s Roman Catholic comprehensive school in Aberavon.

Based on reports by international news agencies, the CCTV footage showed Felton pulling a heavy spanner from inside his jacket before repeatedly swinging it at Pyke’s head.

It was reported that Pyke collapsed to the ground and attempted to shield himself as the attack continued, before other teachers rushed in after hearing the commotion.

When the footage was shown in court, members of the public gasped at the violent nature of the attack.

Prosecutors said the attack was driven by jealousy, after Felton believed Pyke was involved with a female teacher he had previously had an affair with.

Felton had recently discovered he was the father of the woman’s child.

caught on closed-circuit television (CCTV).

According to the prosecution, evidence from Felton’s wife and his own admissions showed he had been in a relationship with another member of staff and had only recently learned of the child’s paternity.

After the incident, Felton fled the school premises and later sent an email to staff apologising for the distress caused.

He pleaded guilty in court to attempted grievous bodily harm with intent.

Meanwhile, Pyke in his victim impact statement said Felton had betrayed his trust by launching the attack when he was completely vulnerable, adding that the fear and shock from the incident would remain with him.

Judge Paul Thomas sentenced Felton to two years and four months jail and imposed an indefinite restraining order.

The court described the assault as an unprecedented ambush and said it was fuelled by uncontrollable jealousy.

It also heard that Felton had recently lost his mother and was undergoing treatment for cancer.

Pyke was later discharged from hospital with minor injuries.