Friday, March 7, 2025 - A headteacher allegedly attacked his deputy with a spanner in front of shocked students over a love triangle involving a female teacher.
According to Mail Online, Dr John Felton, 54, hit deputy head Richard
Pyke over the head with the heavy-duty tool during morning lessons, leaving him
with serious injuries.
The married father-of-three emailed staff apologising for what he
was about to do 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, after the violent assault on Wednesday
morning.
Dr Felton was arrested at the scene on suspicion of assault. Mr Pyke,
51, was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Pupils who witnessed the violence are being offered counselling and
support through the local education authority.
Some parents arrived to collect their children after receiving text
messages about the attack and threatened to keep them off until they get
assurances about leadership in the school.
Others raised concerns on Facebook about the teachers allegedly
having sexual liaisons in school, adding 'never mind the headteacher nearly
beating someone to death with a wrench'.
It is understood the female teacher was not present at the time of the
alleged spanner attack.
Dr Felton's email said: 'Dear staff, the greatest mistake I made was
appointing ****** ******* in various roles.'
He continued: '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.'
Dr Felton was appointed head at the 900-pupil school in 2023 after being
head of mathematics there for 17 years.
A South Wales Police spokesman said: 'We were called at 9.50am to
reports of an assault at St Joseph's Catholic Comprehensive School in Aberavon.
‘’A 51-year-old man has been taken to hospital; it is believed his
injuries are not life-threatening. A 54-year-old man has been arrested on
suspicion of assault.
'We are aware of local speculation about the nature of the assault but
we can confirm no knives were involved.'
Neath Port Talbot council said support would be offered to pupils and
staff affected by the violent assault.
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.'
Labour MS for Aberavon, David Rees, said: 'This is a very sad situation
for our community and my thoughts currently are with the person who is injured.
'I am sure the local authority will provide full support to staff and
pupils who may be affected in the coming days and weeks.
'It is important that at this time the police and other relevant
authorities are allowed to investigate the incident without any speculation.'
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