A school headteacher has been sentenced to nearly two and a half years in prison after brutally attacking his deputy colleague with a wrench amidst a complex web of romantic relationships.
Anthony John Felton, 54, was found guilty of grievous bodily harm with intent following the shocking incident at St Joseph’s Catholic School in Port Talbot, South Wales. The attack left Richard Pike, 51, hospitalized with severe head injuries from which he has yet to recover.
According to prosecutors, Felton’s actions stemmed from overwhelming sexual jealousy and a deeply troubled love triangle. CCTV footage captured the disturbing scene on March 5th, showing Felton retrieving a wrench from his jacket and launching a surprise attack on Pike as he read an email at a computer.
The court heard that Felton had recently discovered he was the father of a child born to another member of staff. He then became convinced that Pike was involved in a romantic relationship with the same woman, fueling his violent outburst.
Judge Paul Thomas condemned Felton’s actions during sentencing, stating:
“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.”
The prosecution detailed the events leading up to the attack:
- Felton and Pike had been friends for several years prior to the incident.
- Felton had been involved in a relationship with another staff member and recently learned he fathered her child.
- He believed Pike had initiated his own romantic involvement with that same colleague.
During the assault, Felton reportedly shouted accusations at Pike while attempting to repeatedly strike him with the wrench. The attack was eventually stopped by another teacher, after which Felton fled the scene in his vehicle.
In a later email sent to staff, Felton expressed regret for the “problems and distress” caused by his actions.
A Crown Prosecution Service spokesperson described the incident as “shocking,” emphasizing the severity of Felton’s unprovoked violence and the potential for devastating consequences.
Richard Pike’s victim impact statement revealed the profound and lasting damage he has suffered:
“I trusted you completely,”
Pike stated, adding that the attack had irrevocably altered his sense of self.
- He now lives with constant awareness of the assault’s impact.
- The trauma caused him to develop a stutter and experience extreme emotional fluctuations.
- He believes he has gained an understanding of Felton’s true character, shattering their previous friendship.
Felton was sentenced to 28 months in prison and issued with a restraining order preventing him from contacting Richard Pike.
