A man who allegedly tried to kill an Army officer outside his barracks in Kent is still to enter pleas due to his mental state, a court heard. Anthony Esan, 25, is accused of the attempted murder of Lieutenant Colonel Mark Teeton, who was stabbed in Sally Port Gardens near Brompton Barracks in Chatham on July 23 last year.

Since the attack, the case has been repeatedly delayed as investigations over Esan's mental health and fitness to plead have been made. He is expected to stand trial on February 2 next year at Maidstone Crown Court.

Defence Richard Barraclough KC assured the court on Thursday (November 27) that "one way or another" his trial would go ahead. Judge Julian Smith indicated that he was "not inclined to force him to enter a plea today" as further psychiatric inquiries

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