Anthony Esan, a 24-year-old Nigerian man, 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, where he faced allegations related to the stabbing of Lt Col Mark Teeton near Brompton Barracks in Kent.
The court ordered Esan to be held in custody due to the seriousness of the charges and concerns for his welfare. Lt Col Teeton, in his 40s, was attacked just before 6 p.m. BST on Tuesday at Sally Port Gardens. He remains in a serious but stable condition in the hospital.
Police arrested Esan near his residence on Mooring Road in Rochester, half an hour after the incident. He also faces charges of possessing an offensive weapon, with several knives found in the storage compartment of the moped he was apprehended on.
During the court proceedings, Esan questioned the need to confirm his date of birth and address. Prosecutor Rajni Prashar described the attack, stating that a man was seen “charging up behind” Lt Col Teeton, dragging him to the ground, and stabbing him “multiple times.”
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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, saying, “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.”
