Headteacher says he felt terror before jail for attack on deputy

A headteacher who attacked his deputy at a school was sentenced to prison and was later released under a curfew scheme.

Anthony John Felton, a headteacher, has written that he felt "sheer terror" before beginning a prison sentence after attacking his deputy at a school. The assault and its publicity led to a criminal trial and a custodial sentence. Felton has described anxiety about starting his sentence and later wrote about his time inside in the prison newspaper Inside Time. He reports completing qualifications in custody and said he is now employed by a charity. Key facts: - The attack occurred at St Joseph's Roman Catholic Comprehensive School and was described in court reporting as an ambush that resulted in a conviction for attempted grievous bodily harm. - Felton pleaded guilty and was sentenced in April to two years and four months, a sentence the judge called an "act of extreme violence." - He was released after several months under a curfew/tag scheme. - The victim reported ongoing difficulties, including a stutter and distressing flashbacks, during court proceedings. - Felton says he completed training courses while in custody; he remains suspended from teaching and is subject to an indefinite restraining order. Summary: The court found that a serious assault at the school led to a custodial sentence and public attention affecting both the victim and the headteacher. Felton reports fear and anxiety before custody, completion of courses in prison, and release on a curfew; he remains suspended and under a restraining order. The victim has reported lasting symptoms. Undetermined at this time.