PICTURED: British soldier stabbed in horrific Kent knife attack named
Anthony Esan, 24, is accused of repeatedly stabbing Lieutenant Colonel Mark Teeton earlier this week
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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.
In June this year, Lt Col Teeton raised nearly £2,500 for Combat Stress, a veterans mental health charity, by running the D-Day challenge in Normandy, a fundraising page shows.
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.
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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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Lt Col Teeton is a chartered engineer working as a course manager in the Army’s Corps of Royal Engineers, according to a LinkedIn page, which shows he has worked in various roles in the armed forces dating back to 2001.
Head of the Army General Sir Roly Walker condemned the stabbing as "horrific and unprovoked", while Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was "shocked and appalled."
Sally Port Gardens, where police said the incident took place, is near Brompton Barracks, the headquarters of the British Army’s 1 Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment.
The attack happened at around 5.55pm on Tuesday, with the suspect being arrested around 25 minutes later.
Anthony Esan arrives at Medway Magistrates' Court in Chatham, Kent
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In a social media post after his gruelling D Day Normandy challenge, he said: "In honour of our forefathers as well as current servicemen who have bravely fought to protect our way of life, I will be taking on the D-Day Challenge to raise vital funds for life-changing mental health treatment for veterans.”
After completing the gruelling challenge, he made a joke about passing out at the finishing line, and said in a video: "It was worthwhile... it’s a good amount of money to a fantastic charity."