A HEADTEACHER has appeared in court for allegedly attacking his deputy with a spanner over a love triangle with a teacher at the same school.
Dr Anthony John Felton, 54, is accused of assaulting deputy head Richard Pike in front of shocked pupils causing him head injuries with the metal tool.



Dr Felton is said to have discovered a woman was also having affairs with other members of staff.
It is understood that the female teacher was not at the school at the time of the alleged spanner attack.
Shortly before the alleged attack Dr Felton emailed colleagues saying: “I’m sorry for the distress which the rest of today will bring.”
Emergency services were called to St Joseph’s Catholic School and Sixth Form Centre in Aberavon, South Wales, at 9.50am on Wednesday .
Dr Felton was arrested at the scene while Mr Pyke, 51, was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The headteacher confirmed his name when he appeared before Swansea magistrates charged with attempted wounding with intent.
His solicitor Mark Davies told the hearing: “I am formally instructed that he wishes to indicate a guilty plea to the charges at this stage.”
Married father-of-three Dr Felton, dressed in a grey tracksuit, was calm and composed during the five-minute hearing.
None of his family were in court.
Prosecutor Lisa Jones asked for Dr Felton to be remanded in custody “for his own welfare and protection”.
Worried parents posted on Facebook that the teachers involved were having sexual liaisons in school, “never mind the headteacher nearly beating someone to death with a wrench”.
The email Dr Felton sent to staff at the 900-pupil school praised them for doing an “amazing job” and ended with the word “goodbye”.
It read: “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 2 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”
The court heard the alleged attack was caught on the school’s CCTV cameras and will form part of the evidence.
South Wales Police said his alleged victim Mr Pyke had been released from hospital.
He has not returned to school.
District judge Chris James told Dr Felton: “I am sending you to the Crown Court for the purposes of trial.
“Until then you will be remanded in custody.”
Dr Felton, of Swansea, will appear before Swansea Crown Court on April 7.
Pupils who witnessed the violence are being offered counselling and support through the local education authority.
Dr Felton was appointed head at the 900-pupil school in 2023 after being head of mathematics there for 17 years.
Neath Port Talbot Council said help would be offered to pupils and staff affected by the violent assault.
A spokesman said: “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.”

