Full Breakdown
Life Sentence for Attempted Murder of Army Officer
2/13/2026, 7:50:53 PM
Attack Overview and Sentencing
Anthony Esan, a 25-year-old man, has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of seven years and 162 days for the attempted murder of Lieutenant Colonel Mark Teeton. The attack occurred in July 2024 outside Brompton Barracks in Chatham, Kent, where Esan repeatedly stabbed Teeton with two knives. Esan pleaded guilty to the charges of attempted murder and possession of bladed weapons at Maidstone Crown Court in January 2025. The court heard that Esan was suffering from schizophrenia at the time of the attack, but this condition did not absolve him of responsibility for his actions.
Details of the Attack
During the sentencing, it was revealed that Esan had conducted online searches related to knife attacks and had specifically looked up the murder of Fusilier Lee Rigby, who was killed in 2013. Prosecutor Alison Morgan KC described the attack as "vicious and deliberate," emphasizing that Esan targeted Teeton due to his military appearance. Esan had approached Teeton under the pretense of needing to borrow his phone because his moped had broken down. When Teeton was distracted, Esan launched his attack, inflicting multiple stab wounds to the neck, chest, abdomen, groin, arm, and thigh. Teeton later recounted that he feared Esan intended to behead him, mirroring the brutal murder of Rigby.
Impact on Victim and Community
Lieutenant Colonel Teeton, who has served in the military for 26 years and completed tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, expressed gratitude for surviving the attack. He described the incident as a "miracle" and praised the courage of those who assisted him, including his wife, Eileen Teeton, who intervened during the assault. In her victim impact statement, Eileen shared her terror during the incident, stating that she initially did not realize the victim was her husband. She recounted Teeton's chilling question in the hospital about whether his colleagues were aware of what Esan had attempted.
Mental Health Considerations
Esan's mental health history was a significant factor in the court's proceedings. He had previously attempted to join the British Army but was rejected in 2021 due to a psychotic disorder and eczema. Mental health services had been involved with him after he reported hearing voices. The judge ordered that Esan be detained in a hospital for as long as necessary, reflecting concerns about his mental health and the potential risk of reoffending.
Official Statements and Responses
Following the sentencing, Lt Col Teeton welcomed the decision, highlighting the extensive evidence of premeditation in Esan's attack. Detective Inspector Lee Neiles from Kent Police characterized Esan as an "extremely dangerous man" who showed no regard for the impact of his actions on Teeton's family and the wider community.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The attack on Mr Teeton was targeted and deliberate.” — Mr Justice Picken
- “Knife attacks do not just impact the victim, they impact the families and communities where attacks occur.” — Lt Col Mark Teeton
- “He said: "Esan has provided no explanation or motive for his actions, but the evidence shows that he was intent on killing a uniformed soldier.” — Detective Inspector Lee Neiles
- “When I asked what he tried to do, he said: ‘Cut my head off. Like Lee Rigby.'” — Lt Col Mark Teeton, recounting Esan's words in the hospital.
