In an incident that has left the local community reeling, a married headteacher at St Joseph’s Catholic School and Sixth Form in Aberavon found himself in a scandalous situation that culminated in violence.
The unfolding drama has raised serious questions about leadership and conduct within the school.
An Apologetic Email That Preceded Chaos
The day began on a tense note when Dr John Felton, 54, sent an email to his staff that was both apologetic and revealing.
In the email, he shockingly blamed a female staff member for “sleeping her way to the top” and warned that the rest of the day would bring distress.
His message set the stage for what was to come, as it hinted at a personal dispute that would soon spiral out of control.
A Violent Outburst Over a Love Triangle
Later that morning, things took a drastic turn. According to court documents, Felton attacked his deputy, Richard Pyke, with a heavy-duty wrench over a dispute involving a younger teacher.
Eyewitnesses and CCTV footage captured the moment when Felton, clad in a blue high-vis jacket, stormed into Mr Pyke’s office.
After a brief conversation between Mr Pyke and a female colleague, the deputy was ambushed as Felton swung the wrench, striking him five times.
Mr Pyke, who was caught off-guard, fell to the floor while desperately trying to fend off further blows.
Legal Fallout and Immediate Repercussions
Following the attack, emergency services rushed to the scene around 9:50 AM.
Felton was arrested on the spot and later pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent.
He has been remanded in custody pending sentencing, which is scheduled for April 25 at Swansea Crown Court.
The court faces a challenging task in determining the appropriate sentence, taking into account the severity of the violence and the impact on the school community.
Community Response and Support for Affected Pupils
The violent incident has not only shaken the school staff but also raised concerns among parents and students.
Parents were alerted via text message about the situation, with some threatening to withdraw their children until they receive assurances about improved leadership at the school.
In response, Neath Port Talbot Council has committed to offering counseling and support to both pupils and staff affected by the assault, emphasizing that the safety and wellbeing of everyone at the school remain the top priority.
A Fall From Grace for a Once-Respected Leader
Dr John Felton was once highly regarded as a skilled mathematician and dedicated educator. Appointed as headteacher in 2023 after serving as head of mathematics for 17 years, his reputation has taken a dramatic hit with this incident.
His actions, now described as a “spectacular fall from grace” by legal observers, have left many questioning his judgment and the overall leadership within the institution.
Ongoing Investigation and Future Implications
Police are currently investigating the incident, and the school is fully cooperating with the authorities.
As the case moves forward, questions remain about the internal dynamics at the school and the measures needed to prevent such incidents in the future.
The community awaits further details from the upcoming sentencing and hopes that justice will help restore trust and stability in the school environment.
