The soldier who suffered extensive stab wounds in an attack in Kent has been named as Lieutenant Colonel Mark Teeton.
Anthony Esan, 24, appeared at Medway Magistrates Court accused of repeatedly stabbing Lt Col Teeton in Gillingham, Kent, on Tuesday.
The serviceman, in his 40s, is in hospital in a serious but stable condition after the alleged knife attack.
Esan, who was arrested near his home in nearby Rochester, is also charged with possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.
Anthony Esan, 24, is accused of repeatedly stabbing Lieutenant Colonel Mark Teeton earlier this week
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Esan appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court wearing a grey T-shirt and will next appear at Maidstone Crown Court on August 22. The defendant initially asked “Why?” when he was asked to confirm his name and date of birth.
Prosecutor Rajni Prashar said: “A member of the public called 999 to report a male had been stabbed. It was then reported that the victim was a soldier in uniform.”
She told the court a man was seen “running up behind” the Army officer before he “pulled the soldier to the ground”, stabbed him “repeatedly” and drove away on a moped.
Two knives were dropped at the scene and a further three were found stored on the bike, the prosecutor said.
More to come…
Anthony Esan arrives at Medway Magistrates’ Court in Chatham, Kent
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Court artist drawing of Anthony Esan, 24, (right) appearing at Medway Magistrates’ Court
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