Former Headteacher Jailed After Assaulting Colleague at School

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Anthony Felton, 54, a former headteacher from Gorseinon, has been sentenced to two years and four months in prison after attacking a fellow teacher with a spanner at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Comprehensive School in Aberavon, Neath Port Talbot. The incident, which occurred on March 5 and was captured on the school’s CCTV, resulted in the victim being taken to hospital for treatment.

Felton pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent in April. During court proceedings, his lawyer John Hipkin KC described the case as “a spectacular fall from grace, to say the least.” Judge Paul Thomas KC, addressing the gravity of the offence, stated, “In the context of where and how this offence was committed, and in particular, bearing in mind the propensity of violence in schools perpetrated by pupils, it seems to me that my public duty require that only a prison sentence can be passed here”.

Detective Sergeant Simon Davies commented, “Anthony Felton’s actions have resulted in him going to prison, have had a significant impact on his personal life and have destroyed his decades-long teaching career – not to mention the physical impact upon the victim, who we are pleased is on the road to recovery.

This attack, and its aftermath, has been an alarming ordeal not just for those directly involved, but also for other staff at the school, as well as the pupils and their parents and guardians. There is absolutely no excuse for what Anthony Felton has done, and there was no other possible outcome than for him to go to prison.”

Neath Port Talbot Council confirmed, “We are aware of an incident that occurred at St Joseph’s Catholic School and Sixth Form Centre. 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 that appropriate support is provided to everyone affected by this incident. The matter is currently under investigation by the police, and the school is fully cooperating with their inquiries”.

Senedd member David Rees added, “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.”