Man Jailed for Life After Savage Stabbing Outside Army Barracks
A 25-year-old knifeman has been jailed for life after launching a brutal attack on a uniformed army officer outside Brompton Barracks in Chatham. Anthony Esan was sentenced to a minimum of seven years and 162 days behind bars for viciously stabbing Lt Col Teeton in July 2024.
‘He Tried to Behead Me Like Lee Rigby’
At Maidstone Crown Court, Esan pleaded guilty to attempted murder and possession of two knives. Experts confirmed he was suffering from schizophrenia during the attack.
“When I asked what he tried to do, he said: ‘Cut my head off. Like Lee Rigby.’”
Lt Col Teeton’s wife, Eileen, praised the brave bystanders who came to his aid. In a heartfelt victim statement, she revealed the trauma her husband endured: “He asked if people at work knew what he had tried to do to me.”
Premeditated Attack Inspired by Terrorism
Prosecutor Alison Morgan KC described the stabbing as “vicious and deliberate.” She revealed Esan specifically targeted the officer because of his military uniform, having researched terrorist attacks online — including the infamous Woolwich murder of Lee Rigby.
Esan tricked Lt Col Teeton by asking to borrow his phone, claiming his moped had broken down. The officer was caught off-guard before Esan launched his knife assault.
The court heard Esan had tried to join the British Army but was rejected in 2021 due to a psychotic disorder and eczema. Mental health services had previously been involved after Esan reported hearing voices.
Judge Orders Hospital Detention for Mentally Ill Attacker
The judge ruled Esan must be held in hospital detention for as long as necessary due to his mental illness.
The stabbing sent shockwaves through the army community, with tributes flooding in for Lt Col Teeton’s courage and resilience in the face of a terrifying, near-fatal attack.
