Kent Man in Court Accused of Attempted Murder of British Army Officer

A Kent man has appeared in court accused of the attempted murder of a British Army officer.

Anthony Esan, 24, of Mooring Road, Rochester, appeared in custody at Medway Magistrates' Court on Thursday, 25th July 2025.

He is accused of attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon (actually a bladed article, so I'm sure someone will amend that charge), the first of which is indictable only.

Dressed in grey t-shirt and jogging bottoms, Esan eventually confirmed his name, date of birth and address. According to reports, the 24-year-old student responded by asking "why?" he had to provide those details. No pleas were entered in relation to either matter.

District Judge Stephen Leake remanded Esan in custody pending his next appearance at Maidstone Crown Court on Thursday, 22nd August 2024.

As has been widely reported, Lieutenant Colonel Mark Teeton RE, pictured below, was attacked outside his home on the early evening of Tuesday, 23rd July 2024.

He was taking the five minute walk between his place of work at Brompton Barracks, Chatham, and his home in Sally Port Gardens, Gillingham.

Colonel Teeton, who was wearing uniform at the time of the attack, is a programme leader at the Royal School of Military Engineering.

According to reports he sustained at least twelve stab wounds during the attack and was airlifted to hospital. He is currently in a serious but stable condition.

Kent Police were quick to reject terrorism as a motive for the attack, but there remains speculation that the Esan's mental health might be a factor. Given the nature of the attempted murder charge, I would suggest that the Crown isn't placing too much weight on the mental health aspect. Unconfirmed reports suggest that Colonel Teeton is known to Esan's brother.

In order to secure a conviction for attempted murder the Crown needs to prove that the defendant absolutely intended to kill the victim - not just cause him very serious injury. The Crown would not have authorised that particular charge unless it was fairly confident, based on the information it currently has to hand, it could prove Esan's intent.