The Prison Service confirmed that 54-year-old Anthony John Felton from Gorseinon, was freed this month under the Home Detention Curfew Scheme, meaning he will be subject to strict licence conditions and an electronically monitored curfew.
Felton was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court in April to two years and four months in prison after admitting attempted grievous bodily harm with intent. The attack on Deputy Headteacher Richard Pyke at St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Comprehensive School in Aberavon was captured on CCTV and described in court as a sustained assault from behind.
(Image: Crown Prosecution Service)
The incident happened on 5 March this year in Mr Pyke’s office. Felton, who had been appointed headteacher of the 900‑pupil school in March 2023 after more than two decades on staff, brought a wrench into the room and struck his colleague several times while he was seated at his desk.
The court heard Felton had recently discovered he was the father of a fellow teacher’s child and had learned Mr Pyke was in a relationship with the same teacher. In a victim impact statement, Mr Pyke said he had trusted Felton completely before the attack, which left him with minor injuries requiring hospital treatment.
Following the assault, Felton threw the wrench away, drove off, and emailed all staff apologising “for the problems and distress” his actions would cause. Police later released CCTV footage showing the moment of the attack.
At sentencing, Judge Paul Thomas KC said the seriousness of the offence, particularly in a school setting, meant only a custodial sentence was appropriate. Detective Sergeant Simon Davies described the incident as “an alarming ordeal” for staff, pupils, and the wider school community3.
A Prison Service spokesperson said:
“Offenders released on Home Detention Curfew are subject to strict conditions and must be tagged. If they break the rules they will be sent back to prison.”
It is understood the decision to release Felton early was made by the prison governor.
