Trial of man accused of stabbing soldier delayed

Anthony Esan's trial has been delayed several times

A man accused of trying to stab to death a uniformed army officer outside his barracks is still to enter pleas due to his mental state, a court has heard.

Anthony Esan, 25, is due to stand trial in February over the attack on Lt Col Mark Teeton near Brompton Barracks in Kent on 23 July 2024.

He was expected to enter a plea during a hearing on Thursday at Maidstone Crown Court.

The case has been delayed several times over Mr Esan's mental health and fitness to plead since the attack in Chatham's Sally Port Gardens.

Judge Julian Smith was told by Mr Esan's legal team and a psychiatrist that further assessments were needed over mental health issues.

Mr Esan, of Mooring Road in Rochester, is accused of attempted murder and possession of a bladed weapon.

Defence Richard Barraclough KC told the court on Thursday that "one way or another" the trial would go ahead.

Mr Esan is now expected to enter a plea by videolink from Broadmoor Hospital on 8 January 2026.

Lt Col Teeton was taken to hospital with serious injuries after the attack and a fundraising website page has raised almost £50,000 to support him and his family.