A 24-year-old Nigerian man, Anthony Esan, has been remanded in custody following charges of attempted murder related to an 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 court ordered Esan to be held in custody “for his own welfare and due to the seriousness of the alleged offenses”, according to the BBC.
Lt Col Mark Teeton, in his 40s, was attacked 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 reported that Esan, who is also charged with possessing an offensive weapon, was arrested about half an hour later near his home on Mooring Road in Rochester.
When asked to confirm his date of birth and address in court, Esan responded, “Why do you need that information?”
Prosecutor Rajni Prashar told the court that a witness saw a man “charging up behind” Lt Col Teeton, dragging him to the ground, and stabbing him “multiple times”.
Esan was apprehended shortly after the incident while riding a moped, and several knives were found in the moped’s storage compartment during a search.
Esan is scheduled to appear at Maidstone Crown Court on August 22.
A defense source revealed the soldier’s identity to the BBC. Lt Col Teeton oversees an engineering course for the Royal Engineers, while the nearby barracks houses the 1st Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed his support on Tuesday, stating, “Our thoughts are with [the soldier], his family, and our armed forces, who are dedicated to keeping us safe.” He added, “Here’s hoping for a speedy recovery.”
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