A 24-year-old Nigerian man, Anthony Esan, has been remanded in custody on charges of attempted murder following a violent incident involving a uniformed army officer.
Esan appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, facing allegations related to the stabbing of Lt Col Mark Teeton near a barracks in Kent. The court ordered Esan to be held in custody due to the seriousness of the charges and for his welfare.
The incident occurred just before 6 p.m. BST on Tuesday at Sally Port Gardens, near Brompton Barracks. Lt Col Teeton, who is in his 40s, is currently in serious but stable condition in the hospital.
Esan, who also faces charges of possessing an offensive weapon, was arrested half an hour after the incident near his residence on Mooring Road in Rochester. Police found several knives in the storage compartment of the moped he was riding.
In court, Esan questioned the need to confirm his date of birth and address when asked by the court. Prosecutor Rajni Prashar informed the court that Esan was observed “charging up behind” Lt Col Teeton, dragging him to the ground, and stabbing him “multiple times.”
Esan is scheduled to appear at Maidstone Crown Court on August 22. Lt Col Teeton, who supervises an engineering course for the Royal Engineers, was identified by a defence source to the BBC. The nearby barracks houses the 1st Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment.
Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer expressed his support, stating, “Our thoughts are with [the soldier], his family, and our armed forces, who are dedicated to keeping us safe. Here’s hoping for a speedy recovery.”
