Man accused of attempting to kill Army officer near barracks has trial date set

The trial of a man charged with the attempted murder of an Army officer in uniform near a barracks in Kent is set to take place next year.

A hearing at Maidstone Crown Court was told that Anthony Esan, 24, is accused of repeatedly stabbing Lieutenant Colonel Mark Teeton at Sally Port Gardens, in Gillingham, on 24 July.

Mr Esan is also charged with possessing a bladed article.

No pleas to the charges were entered.

Sally Port Gardens is near Brompton Barracks, the headquarters of the British Army's 1 Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment.

Judge Philip St John-Stevens set a trial date of 20 January next year at Maidstone Crown Court. The trial is expected to last three weeks.

Mr Esan will next appear at the same court on 23 September for a plea hearing.