A headteacher has been remanded into custody following an alleged assault at St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Comprehensive School in Aberavon.
Anthony John Felton, 54, appeared before Swansea Magistrates’ Court accused of attempted wounding with intent. Police were called to the school on the morning of 5 March after reports of an incident that resulted in a man requiring hospital treatment.
Felton, who was appointed headteacher in September 2023 according to an annual report from the governing body, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, and address during the brief hearing. He did not enter a plea to the charge he faces.
Court Proceedings
The court heard that the charge could only be dealt with at Swansea Crown Court, with Felton’s next appearance scheduled for 7 April for a plea and trial preparation hearing.
A solicitor representing Felton did not apply for bail but stated that his instructions were that the defendant was indicating a guilty plea to the charge.
District Judge Christopher James remanded Felton, of Penyrheol Road, Gorseinon, Swansea, into custody.
He told the defendant: “I am sending you to the crown court for the purposes of trial. You attend Swansea Crown Court on 7 April. Until then, you will be remanded into custody.”
South Wales Police confirmed that the alleged victim, a 51-year-old man, has been discharged from hospital with minor injuries.
Following the incident, Neath Port Talbot Council issued a statement, saying: “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.”
