Headteacher jailed for attacking his deputy over ‘sexual jealousy’
A headteacher who attacked his deputy with a wrench at school due to “overwhelming sexual jealousy” has been jailed.
Anthony John Felton previously pleaded guilty to one count of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent to Richard Pyke, 51.
Felton armed himself with the tool and sought out his colleague – attacking him from behind.
He believed Mr Pyke had slept with another teacher, with whom he had recently been in a relationship.
Anthony Felton. Pic: PA
Felton was sentenced to 28 months in prison at Swansea Crown Court on Friday.
The 54-year-old had been warned by the judge at his plea hearing that “only a prison sentence” could be justified.
He was also given a restraining order.
After the incident at St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Comprehensive School in Aberavon, Neath Port Talbot, on 5 March this year, Felton threw the wrench away and left the school premises in his car.
He then sent an email to his staff, apologising “for the problems and distress his actions were likely to cause”.
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Sentencing Felton, Judge Paul Thomas KC said an attack by a head on their deputy was “I suspect, entirely without precedent” and was the result of “overwhelming sexual jealousy”.
“That a headmaster of a school should take and use a weapon to try to badly injure their deputy, is I suspect, entirely without precedent,” he said.
“You are more than intelligent enough to realise when you plotted this bizarre attack that the impact and ramifications would be immense and far-reaching.”
The judge said the attack “was in effect an ambush,” with Mr Pyke believing his attacker to be his friend.
While John Hipkin KC, for the defence, said Felton had recently suffered due to the death of his mother and a cancer diagnosis, the judge argued his actions were due to jealousy.
He said: “Ultimately, the trigger for your act of extreme violence was of your own doing, the overwhelming sexual jealousy arising from an adulterous affair and the uncontrollable rage it created in you.”
Felton was appointed headteacher in September 2023, according to an annual report from the governing body.
Following the incident, police said Mr Pyke had been discharged from hospital after suffering minor injuries.
Abul Hussain, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Anthony Felton struck a defenceless man repeatedly to the head with a metal weapon, demonstrating he had an intent to cause his victim really serious harm.
“The level of unprovoked violence, from a professional in the workplace, was shocking.
“Too often we see attacks of this nature result in life-changing injuries or fatal consequences, and thankfully, that was not the result in this case.”
Crystal Palace are celebrating a historic win in the FA Cup after a 1-0 victory against Manchester City at Wembley.
It’s the south London club’s first major trophy – and third time lucky after losing two previous finals they have played in. The win also means Palace have qualified for next season’s Europa League.
Eberechi Eze put his side 1-0 up with the game’s only goal in the 16th minute.
Man City were given a chance to equalise when they were awarded a penalty in the 33rd minute, but Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson – who had earlier escaped a red card for a handball outside the box – saved Omar Marmoush’s spot kick.
Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze scores. Pic: PA
Man City’s Omar Marmoush after his penalty was saved. Pic: PA
It briefly seemed the south London team had gone 2-0 up after a 58th-minute strike from Daniel Munoz but the goal was quickly ruled offside.
They then held onto their 1-0 lead until the final whistle, which came after an agonising 10 minutes of injury time.
Dean Henderson dodged a red card and saved a penalty. Pic: PA
Oliver Glasner’s team were the underdogs despite Manchester City having had a difficult season in the Premier League.
Pep Guardiola’s side also lost to their neighbours and rivals Manchester United in last year’s cup final.
‘It’s all about spirit’
Palace goalscorer Eze said he had “no words” as he celebrated with his team mates.
Eze celebrates after the final whistle. Pic: PA
“I can only thank God,” he told ITV. “This is special, this is what dreams are made of, for this club as well. Who would have thought we could do it?
“We’ve made history today. The tactics were good but it’s all about spirit. That’s energy, that’s everyone fighting together and doing what we had to do today.”
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