Army Officer Stabbed Outside Brompton Barracks
A chilling knife attack rocked Kent as a 25-year-old man pleaded guilty to trying to murder an Army officer in uniform. Anthony Esan admitted repeatedly stabbing Lieutenant Colonel Mark Teeton near Brompton Barracks in Chatham on July 23, 2024.
Esan appeared via video-link at Maidstone Crown Court from Broadmoor Hospital, wearing a blue and white jumper. He made no comment other than confirming charges of attempted murder and possession of two bladed weapons.
Wife’s Heroic Intervention Saved Husband’s Life
Lt Col Mark Teeton, seriously wounded in the savage stabbing, was in court to hear the guilty plea. Witnesses recall Esan running up behind Teeton, dragging him to the ground, and stabbing him multiple times before escaping on a moped.
- Two knives were found at the scene.
- Three more were recovered from the getaway vehicle.
Teeton’s wife, Eileen, sprang into action, tackling the attacker and likely preventing further harm. Her desperate cries were caught on a neighbour’s doorbell camera. Eileen, a member of the Military Wives Choir, is famed for ITV appearances and inspired the hit film Military Wives.
Community and Celebs Rally Behind Officer
Esan’s trial faced delays due to mental health evaluations and questions over his fitness to stand trial. Sentencing is now set for February 9-11 at Maidstone Crown Court.
A GoFundMe for Lt Col Teeton and his family has raised nearly £50,000 so far. Public figures, including comedian Al Murray, have thrown their support behind the officer. Murray posted on social media:
“Lt Col Mark Teeton RE ran in aid of @CombatStress for the D-Day 80th anniversary. Here’s the link to sponsor him and show support at this horrendous time for him and his family.”
Brompton Barracks: The Heart of Military Engineering
Brompton Barracks is home to the British Army’s 1 Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment. Lt Col Teeton, a chartered engineer with service dating back to 2001, is a respected course manager in the Corps of Royal Engineers.
Locals praise Eileen as a beloved community figure, deeply involved in local events and the Military Wives Choir. The brutal attack has shaken the military community but also highlighted incredible bravery, with Eileen stepping in to protect her husband from a near-fatal assault.
