Headteacher speaks out after being jailed for attacking deputy with spanner over love triangle
Dr Anthony John Felton was released after serving just six months in prison
A British headteacher has spoken out for the first time since he was released from prison following a spanner attack on his deputy over a love triangle in the school.
Dr Anthony John Felton had worked at St Joseph’s Catholic School in Port Talbot, South Wales for over 17 years in the maths department, before becoming the headteacher in 2023.
Since becoming headteacher he had started an affair with another member of staff in the school and even fathered a child with her, despite his wife Maria also working at the school.
In a shocking twist, he became convinced that his deputy headteacher, Richard Pyke, had also entered into a sexual relationship with the same teacher as Felton, which saw him attack him in a jealous rage back in March 2025.
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He lured Pyke into his office and asked him to read an email, before striking him a number of times with a spanner, shouting 'you know what you’ve done' and accusing him of sleeping with his lover.
The violent assault only calmed down when another teacher, alarmed by Pyke's yells, rushed in to try and help, with the deputy suffering swelling to the back of the scalp, a headache, nausea and dizziness in the attack.
Shortly after the attack, the headteacher emailed colleagues saying: “Dear staff, the greatest mistake I made was appointing ******* ******* in various roles.
“She has slept her way to the top, currently engaging in sexual activity with at least two current members of the SLT (School Leadership Team) including Richard Pyke.
“I’m sorry for the distress the rest of the day will bring. I am sorry. You are good people and do an amazing job for our community.
“Goodbye, John.”
Felton was sentenced to two years and four months in prison but served just six months and was released in August.
The 54-year-old has since spoken out about his time in prison for the newspaper Inside Time, apologising for his actions but suggesting that he made genuine friendships during his time at HMP Swansea.
He wrote: "I was deeply ashamed of the offence that brought me to HMP Swansea.
"Prison was punishment, but I began to believe acts of kindness could still exist within it. I had already lost my career, purpose, and much of the trust of family, friends, and colleagues.
"Because of the publicity surrounding my crime, almost everyone knew who I was. Many came to speak to me, and some even praised me. I always replied: 'It was wrong, and I am ashamed for doing it.'"
Although the father-of-four's case was so well-known, partly due to the brutal CCTV video that was released to the public, he suggested that he still had family and friends willing to stand by him on the outside.
He concluded: "I often heard stories of men who had nothing to return to. I count myself fortunate: I had a home waiting for me, and family and friends willing to stand by me. After six months inside, I was released on tag in August.
"It was an emotional exit, and I knew I would miss some aspects of prison life – especially the genuine friendships I had formed and the acts of kindness shown to me.
"Adjusting has not been easy. Everyday sights, colours, and smells still feel overwhelming, and it will take time. But I know I am moving forward, and I am determined to give back – to my family, to my friends, and to society."
During his sentencing, Judge Paul Thomas had said: “Mr Pyke thought he was your friend. Your victim.
“He was struck from behind having been lured by you into what was in effect an ambush.
“The psychological, emotional and professional impact on him was profound.”
Topics: Crime
James Moorhouse