Case of man accused of stabbing soldier delayed

The case of a man who allegedly tried to kill a uniformed army officer outside his barracks in Kent has been delayed due to his poor mental health, a court has heard.

Anthony Esan is accused of the attempted murder of Lt Col Mark Teeton, who was stabbed in Sally Port Gardens near Brompton Barracks on 23 July 2024.

In a hearing at Maidstone Crown Court, Judge Philip St John-Stevens delayed legal proceedings as Mr Esan, 24, was presently suffering from ill mental health.

A hearing to discuss his fitness to plead and a potential trial date has been delayed until 6 May at the same court.

Mr Esan was not present at the short hearing.

The defendant, who also faces a charge of possession of a bladed weapon, is yet to enter a plea for both charges.

Lt Col Teeton, 47, was taken to hospital with serious injuries following the alleged attack.

Mr Esan was arrested near his home in Rochester.

Additional reporting by PA Media.

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