The trial of the man accused of trying to stab a uniformed soldier to death in the street has been delayed by at least two months.

Anthony Esan is accused of attempting to murder Lt Col Mark Teeton near Brompton Barracks on July 23.

The soldier, who is in his 40s, was knifed several times as he walked along Sally Port Gardens at about 6pm with his wife.

He was taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition and was discharged four weeks after the alleged murder bid.

Esan, 24, of Mooring Road, Rochester, was arrested by police about 30 minutes after the knifing.

As well as being charged with attempted murder, he also faces an offence of possessing a bladed article.

He was due to stand trial on January 20 but at a hearing on Monday (December 23) Maidstone Crown Court heard that three-week fixture was vacated at the request of the prosecution and in agreement with the defence team.

No new trial date was set but the next hearing to discuss the progress of the case will be held on April 1.

Esan was not in court but was remanded back into custody.

Lt Col Teeton was living in military accommodation in Sally Port Gardens, which is just a few minutes' walk from the barracks - home to the Royal School of Military Engineering - when he was attacked, reportedly by a moped-riding assailant.

A gofundme appeal set up in the aftermath to support him and his family raised almost £50,000, with the serviceman expressing his gratitude for such generosity.

Speaking in October, he said: "It was overwhelming to receive that amount of support and generosity from complete strangers."

"We took strength and comfort from all the messages when we had just been through the most horrific experience. Our family cannot thank those people enough."