Man Sentenced to Life for Attacking Army Officer

A man named Anthony Esan has been given a life sentence for a very serious knife attack on Lieutenant Colonel Mark Teeton. The officer was hurt badly but is now better. Esan will be treated in a special hospital for a long time.
By Newsroom | Crime, United Kingdom |

A grave incident near Kent barracks resulted in a life sentence for Anthony Esan, who inflicted multiple stab wounds on Lieutenant Colonel Mark Teeton in an attack described as similar to the murder of soldier Lee Rigby. The court heard evidence suggesting the assault was motivated by psychosis and preceded by research into similar violent acts. Lt Col Teeton, a father of two, sustained severe injuries but has since made a full recovery, while Esan has been ordered to receive lifelong treatment in Broadmoor Hospital.

Timeline and Key Actors

The attack occurred at approximately 5:53 PM when Anthony Esan approached Lieutenant Colonel Mark Teeton, who was walking home from nearby barracks in Gillingham, Kent. Esan, riding a moped, asked to use Lt Col Teeton's phone, claiming his own had broken down. This request preceded a "vicious and deliberate" assault involving two knives.

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Man jailed for life after launching 'Lee Rigby'-style attack on Army officer near Kent barracks - 1

  • The Attacker: Anthony Esan, aged 25, was identified as the perpetrator. He had a history of mental health issues, including schizophrenia, and had made previous unsuccessful attempts to join the British Army. He resided in the Southwark area of London.

  • The Victim: Lieutenant Colonel Mark Teeton, a father of two, was on his way home from work when the attack took place. He was in uniform at the time. He sustained numerous stab wounds to his neck, chest, abdomen, and limbs.

  • Witnesses and Responders: Eileen Teeton, Lt Col Teeton's wife, bravely intervened, rushing to her husband's aid and confronting the attacker. Witnesses also provided crucial information that helped track Esan following the incident.

  • Legal and Medical Professionals: The case was heard at Maidstone Crown Court. Forensic psychiatrists and expert witnesses, including Professor Nigel Blackwood and Dr. Michael Alcock, provided testimony regarding Esan's mental state. Judge Mr Justice Picken presided over the sentencing.

The Attack and Its Aftermath

The assault was characterized by its brutality and apparent premeditation. Esan used two knives to inflict multiple stab wounds, causing a significant injury to Lt Col Teeton's neck, with the victim later telling his wife he feared Esan was trying to behead him.

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  • The Initial Encounter: Esan approached Lt Col Teeton under the guise of needing to use his phone due to a broken-down moped.

  • The Assault: Once Lt Col Teeton was distracted, Esan attacked him with two knives. Footage showed Esan continuing the attack even after the victim attempted to move away.

  • Intervention: Eileen Teeton heard screams and rushed to the scene, discovering her husband was the victim. She confronted Esan, an act that was commended by the court.

  • Apprehension: Esan was arrested shortly after the incident, with witnesses reporting his moped's registration number aiding his quick capture. Footage showed him on his knees with his hands on his head during his arrest.

  • Medical Prognosis: Experts agreed that Esan suffered from schizophrenia at the time of the attack. He has been receiving treatment at Broadmoor Hospital and is expected to require lifelong care due to ongoing psychosis.

Motivations and Premeditation

Evidence presented in court suggested a degree of planning and an ideological component to the attack.

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  • Research: Esan had reportedly researched attacks online, including the murder of soldier Lee Rigby, and had searched for "Lee Rigby knife attack" videos on TikTok. He had also engaged in Google searches about zombie knives and terrorist attacks involving knives.

  • Beliefs: Esan reportedly believed his role was to "deliver and shoot."

  • Acquisition of Weapons: He purchased a knife set from Argos days before the assault. The knives he intended to use were out of stock.

The role of Esan's mental health was a significant factor in the proceedings.

Man jailed for life after launching 'Lee Rigby'-style attack on Army officer near Kent barracks - 4

  • Psychiatric Testimony: Forensic psychiatrists concluded that it was more likely Esan intended to stab a soldier, but that his actions were primarily driven by psychosis. Professor Nigel Blackwood testified that Esan remained psychotic and that he did not believe Esan's claim that his target could have been anyone. Dr. Michael Alcock recommended a hospital order, stating Esan remained symptomatic and unlikely to fully recover.

  • Judicial Stance: Despite the diagnosis of schizophrenia, Judge Mr Justice Picken stated that the illness did not absolve Esan of responsibility for his crime. The judge described the attack as "targeted and deliberate."

Sentencing and Confinement

Anthony Esan was sentenced to life imprisonment, with the sentence to be served under a hospital order, meaning he will remain detained in Broadmoor Hospital for as long as deemed necessary by authorities.

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  • The Sentence: Life imprisonment with a hospital order.

  • Hospital Detention: Esan will be treated in Broadmoor Hospital for the foreseeable future, as he continues to experience psychotic episodes.

  • Victim Impact: Lt Col Teeton expressed gratitude for being alive and particularly praised his wife's courage. The Teeton family has been commended for their resilience following the ordeal.

Conclusion and Implications

The case highlights the profound impact of psychosis-driven violence and the complex interplay between mental illness and criminal responsibility. The thorough investigation, including witness accounts and digital forensics, was crucial in establishing the facts of the attack.

  • Justice Served: The life sentence and hospital order aim to ensure public safety and provide necessary treatment for Esan.

  • Public Safety: The lifelong detention in Broadmoor addresses concerns about Esan's ongoing mental state and potential for future harm.

  • Victim Support: The focus on Lt Col Teeton's recovery and the commendation of his wife's bravery underscore the human element of such incidents.

  • Legal Precedent: The ruling reinforces the legal principle that severe mental illness, while a factor, does not necessarily negate accountability for violent actions.

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Sources:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened to the army officer?
Lieutenant Colonel Mark Teeton was stabbed many times but has now fully recovered. He is thankful to be alive and praised his wife's bravery.
Q: Why did the attacker do this?
The attacker, Anthony Esan, has a serious mental health problem called psychosis. He had also looked up violent attacks online.
Q: What is the sentence for the attacker?
Anthony Esan has been sentenced to life in prison. He will be treated in Broadmoor Hospital for as long as he needs it because of his illness.