A court heard that a 24-year-old man from Kent, England, attacked a senior Army commander, stabbing him many times with a pair of kitchen knives, causing him serious, life-threatening injuries.
The Royal School of Military Engineering is located in Gillingham, and on Tuesday at 5:55 pm, Anthony Esan is suspected of trying to murder Lt Col Mark Teeton outside his residence near Brompton Barracks. Teeton’s wife witnessed the attack.
After being transported to the hospital, the father-of-two was informed that his condition was severe but stable.
A half-hour later, Esan was reportedly taken into custody by the authorities near his residence on Mooring Road in Rochester on suspicion of having an offensive weapon. The prosecution informed the court that Esan was spotted riding a moped. Several blades were found during the search of the moped’s storage compartment.
According to prosecutor Rajni Prashar, Esan ambushed Teeton by racing up behind him.
A witness told the magistrates’ court that Esan had carried five kitchen knives—one of which was referred to as a “machete”—during the attack. It is said that Esan pulled Lt. Col. Teeton to the ground and repeatedly stabbed him with a large knife while his face was partially covered during the attack.
When Esan asked to verify his birthdate and residence in court, his ridiculous reply was, “Why?”
With “regard to the seriousness of the offenses alleged” and “for his welfare,” the court remanded Esan into detention. He has an August 22nd appearance scheduled at Maidstone Crown Court.
Lieutenant Colonel Teeton supervises the Royal Engineers’ engineering course. A regiment of the Royal School of Military Engineers calls the adjacent barracks home.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer told reporters on Tuesday that his thoughts are with the soldier, his family, and our armed forces, who serve to keep us safe.
“We hope he gets well soon,” said Prime Minister Starmer.
