Married UK Principal Jailed for Wrench Attack on Teacher Amid Love Triangle

In a highly unusual case, a married school principal in the UK has been sentenced to prison for assaulting a fellow teacher with a wrench, reportedly driven by jealousy linked to a complicated romantic relationship.

Anthony John Felton, 54, launched a premeditated assault on Richard Pyke, 51, at a school in Aberavon, South Wales. According to reports, Felton stealthily approached Pyke from behind while he was seated, pulled a wrench from his vest pocket, and swung it at his head. The shocking attack was captured on CCTV, showing Pyke falling to the ground as he attempted to defend himself with kicks while lying on his back.

During the sentencing at Swansea Crown Court, Judge Paul Thomas addressed Felton's actions, stating, “Ultimately, the trigger for your act of extreme violence was of your own doing. The overwhelming sexual jealousy arising from an adulterous affair and the uncontrollable rage it created in you.” The judge emphasized that Felton, being an intelligent individual, should have understood the serious consequences of his violent actions.

Felton's jealousy was reportedly fueled by the fact that Pyke had been involved with a female teacher with whom Felton had recently had a relationship. Adding to the drama, Felton believed he was the father of the child that the female teacher had. This tangled situation led to a violent outburst that shocked the school community.

Fortunately, Mr. Pyke sustained only minor injuries from the attack and has since been granted a restraining order against Felton. Abul Hussain from the Crown Prosecution Service expressed concern over the incident, stating, “The level of unprovoked violence, from a professional in the workplace, was shocking.” He noted that such attacks often lead to severe injuries or even fatalities, and thankfully, that was not the case here.

In the end, Felton was sentenced to two years and four months in prison, a stark reminder of how jealousy can spiral into dangerous territory. This incident serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of unchecked emotions and the importance of maintaining professionalism in the workplace.