A headteacher has been accused of attacking his deputy with a spanner over a love triangle with another teacher.
Married Dr Anthony John Felton, 54, is said to have discovered a woman was also having affairs with other members of staff – including his own deputy.
Wearing a grey prison-issue tracksuit, Dr Felton spoke only to confirm his name and address at Swansea Magistrates Court today.
He’s accused of attempted grievous bodily harm on Richard Pyke during an attack at St Joseph’s Comprehensive School in Port Talbot on March 5.
Prosecutor Lisa Jones said ’emotions were clearly running high’ at the school and it was an ’emotive situation which had been highly reported on social media’.
She said Dr Felton sent his wife Maria messages on the morning of the attack, which were of a ‘concerning nature’, as well as sending an apology letter to staff at the school.
Felton was not asked to enter a plea but the court heard he was indicating he wished to plead guilty.
He did not apply for bail and District Judge Christopher James remanded him in custody to appear at Swansea Crown Court on April 7.
Dr Felton, head of the 800-pupil Catholic school, wrote to colleagues before the alleged attack apologising for ‘the distress which the rest of today will bring.’
The father-of-three adult children was appointed headteacher in March 2023 and lives in Gorseinon, Swansea, with wife Maria who is an RSE co-ordinator at the school.
But he allegedly wielded the spanner on his deputy, Mr Pyke, who was hospitalised with his injuries.
South Wales Police said they were called to St Joseph’s Catholic School in Port Talbot at 9.50 am on Wednesday.
Former pupils joked online that the assault could have been featured on the Jeremy Kyle show.
He added: ‘I’m sorry for the distress the rest of the day will bring. I am sorry. She has slept her way to the top, currently engaging in sexual activity with at least 2 current members of the SLT (School Leadership Team) including Richard Pyke. You are good people and do an amazing job for our community. Goodbye, John.’
Neath Port Talbot council said pupils and staff affected by the incident would be offered support.
A spokesman said: ‘We are aware of an incident that occurred at St Joseph’s Catholic school and Sixth Form Centre this morning. The incident did not involve any pupils.
‘The safety and wellbeing of our students and staff are our top priority and we are working closely with the school to ensure the appropriate support is offered to everyone affected by this incident.
‘The matter is currently under investigation by the police and the school is fully cooperating with their inquiries.’
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