A headteacher allegedly attacked his deputy with a spanner in front of shocked pupils after finding out they were both reportedly having an affair with the same female colleague.
Dr John Felton, 54, is said to have 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 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 not present at the time of the alleged spanner attack.
Dr John Felton, 54, allegedly attacked his deputy with a spanner in front of shocked pupils after finding out they were both reportedly having an affair with the same female colleague
Deputy head Richard Pyke (pictured) was left with serious head injuries following the alleged 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.
Dr Felton was appointed head at the 900-pupil school in 2023 after being head of mathematics there for 17 years
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.’
