A 24-year-old man, Anthony Esan, has been remanded in custody following charges of attempted murder related to a violent incident involving a uniformed army officer.
Esan appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, where he faced allegations stemming from the stabbing of the officer near a barracks in Kent.
The BBC reports that the court ordered Mr. Esan to be remanded in custody “for his own welfare and due to the seriousness of the alleged offenses.”
Lt Col Mark Teeton, in his 40s, was stabbed just before 6 p.m. BST on Tuesday at Sally Port Gardens, near Brompton Barracks. He is currently in serious but stable condition in hospital.
Police stated that Mr. Esan, who faces charges of possessing an offensive weapon, was arrested half an hour later near his residence on Mooring Road in Rochester.
When asked to confirm his date of birth and address in court, Mr. Esan replied, “Why do you need that information?”
Prosecutor Rajni Prashar informed the court that a man was observed “charging up behind” Lt Col Teeton, then dragging him to the ground and stabbing him “multiple times.”
The prosecutors told the court that Mr. Esan was apprehended on a moped shortly after the incident.
They reported that several knives were discovered during a search of the moped’s storage compartment.
The suspect is scheduled to appear at Maidstone Crown Court on August 22.
A defense source disclosed the soldier’s identity to the BBC.
Lt Col Teeton supervises an engineering course for the Royal Engineers, while the adjacent barracks houses the 1st Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed, “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.”
