By Desire Emmanuel
A Nigerian-born living in the United Kingdom accused of trying to stab a British Army officer to death in the street is still unable to enter a plea to the charge of attempted murder due to his mental state, a court in the kingdom was told on Thursday.
According to reports from kentonline.co.uk, the man, Anthony Esan, who is due to stand trial from February 2 in relation to his alleged attack on Lieutenant Colonel Mark Teeton near Brompton Barracks on July 23, was expected to be arraigned on Friday morning during a hearing at Maidstone Crown Court but the arraignment could not be held.
Judge Julian Smith was told by Esan’s legal team, as well as an expert at Broadmoor psychiatric hospital where he is currently being held, that proceedings needed to be adjourned due to his mental health issues.
The 25-year-old’s lawyer, Richard Barraclough KC, assured the court, however, that “one way or another” the trial would go ahead.
Having also heard from the prosecution, Judge Smith decided that Esan would not be made to enter a plea nor would the court formally enter one on his behalf.
Esan, a resident of Mooring Road, Rochester, was accused of stabbing the then 47-year-old officer several times as the soldier walked along Sally Port Gardens with his wife.
The army officer was taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition and discharged four weeks after the alleged murder bid.
Esan was arrested by police about 30 minutes after the stabbing and, as well as charged with attempted murder. He also faces an offence of possessing a bladed article.
