Headteacher Jailed for Violent Attack on Deputy

Anthony John Felton, 54, former headteacher at St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Comprehensive School in South Wales, was sentenced to two years and four months in prison for attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent after attacking his deputy, Richard Pyke, with a wrench in March 2025. The assault, captured on CCTV, occurred after Felton lured Pyke into an office under the pretense of discussing an email, then struck him repeatedly until other staff intervened. The attack was motivated by Felton’s jealousy upon learning he had fathered a child with a colleague who was also in a relationship with Pyke. Pyke sustained minor injuries and was treated in hospital. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as unprecedented and emphasized the severe breach of trust involved. The incident has shocked the school community and highlighted the professional and personal consequences of the events.