Knifeman Sentenced to Life for Attempted Murder of Army Officer After Lee Rigby Research
Anthony Esan, a 25-year-old man, has been handed a life sentence for attempting to kill a uniformed Army officer in a targeted ambush outside his barracks. The attack, which occurred on July 23, 2024, in Sally Port Gardens near Brompton Barracks in Chatham, involved Esan repeatedly stabbing Lieutenant Colonel Mark Teeton with two 10-inch knives purchased from Argos just days earlier.
Chilling Details of the Attack and Investigation
Prosecutors revealed that Esan had conducted a series of disturbing internet searches, including 'Woolwich soldier murdered', referencing the killing of fusilier Lee Rigby a decade prior. This research underscored his intent to target a soldier for death, as noted by Judge Mr Justice Picken during the sentencing at the court.
Footage presented in court captured the moments leading up to the assault. Esan parked his moped and approached Lt Col Teeton as he walked home from the barracks at 5.53pm. Under the guise of needing to use a phone due to a broken-down moped, Esan initiated the violent attack, which was partially recorded by a passing car's camera.
Victim Impact and Heroic Response
Lt Col Teeton's wife, Eileen Teeton, bravely rushed to the scene upon hearing the commotion. In her victim impact statement, she described the horror of witnessing the savage attack, realizing it was her husband on the ground. She recounted visiting him in hospital, where he expressed fear and referenced the Lee Rigby murder, asking if colleagues were aware of the attempt to 'cut my head off'.
The judge commended Eileen Teeton and others who assisted during the incident, praising their 'immense courage'. Lt Col Teeton, a 26-year veteran of the British Army with tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, tearfully expressed gratitude to the 'heroes' who saved his life, noting that medical staff called his survival a 'miracle' given the extensive wounds he sustained.
Mental Health and Legal Proceedings
During a four-day sentencing hearing, forensic psychiatrists testified that Esan was diagnosed with schizophrenia at the time of the attack. Experts, including Professor Nigel Blackwood, stated that while psychosis was a primary driver, Esan's grudge towards the Army, fueled by his failed attempts to join, combined with his mental illness to precipitate the violence.
Esan had previously admitted to attempted murder and possessing bladed weapons. He received a minimum term of seven years and 162 days but will be detained indefinitely at Broadmoor high-security psychiatric hospital, where he has been undergoing treatment. The judge emphasized that Esan poses a 'significant risk' to the public and is unlikely to be released due to the potential for reoffending.
Background and Pre-Attack Behavior
Born in Nigeria, Esan moved to the UK in 2009, living in Southwark, London, before relocating to Kent in 2022. The court heard that he had made several unsuccessful applications to join the British Army starting in 2020, the same year he was referred to mental health services for hearing voices. In January 2023, his mother reported concerns about knives in his possession, highlighting escalating warning signs.
Prosecutor Alison Morgan KC detailed Esan's 'interest' in knives, with packaging for 'Rambo' knives found in his bedroom. Additionally, Esan described feeling like he was in the violent film Kingsman and the video game Cyberpunk, believing his role was to 'deliver and shoot', further illustrating his disturbed state.
This case underscores the complex interplay between mental health issues and violent extremism, with the legal system balancing punishment with necessary psychiatric care to protect public safety.
