Elianne Andam: Teenager found guilty of murdering 15-year-old girl

A teenager who repeatedly stabbed schoolgirl Elianne Andam in a row over a teddy bear has been found guilty of her murder.

Hassan Sentamu, then 17, attacked the 15-year-old outside a shopping centre in Croydon, south London, on 27 September 2023.

Sentamu, now 18, had already admitted manslaughter, claiming he was not in control of his actions because of his autism but the jury did not accept this defence of diminished responsibility.

The jury at the Old Bailey, which deliberated for 11 hours and 42 minutes, reached a 10-2 majority verdict.

Sentamu has also been convicted of illegally possessing a knife.

Elianne was killed during a meeting at the Whitgift Centre to exchange belongings with Sentamu’s ex-girlfriend, who was her friend.

During the trial the court heard that he flew into an “explosive rage of savage violence”.

The teenager had left home carrying a knife after feeling “disrespected” by the group of girls the day before, who had thrown water at him because they did not like the way he had treated their friend, his ex-girlfriend.

The jury heard that he wanted revenge and when Elianne snatched a bag with his belongings in, he chased her down and stabbed her multiple times.

Prosecutor Alex Chalk KC said: “He was angry on 27 September, having brooded on the insult and he took the knife to the scene to reassert dominance.

“He exacted vengeance on a young girl clearly running away from him and posing no threat.”

Sentamu was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder when he was 14.

He spent some of his teenage years in foster care, in a pupil referral unit and in a special educational needs school.

The court heard he had a troubled and disruptive childhood, with reports of self-harm, suicidal thoughts and violent behaviour with knives.

Sentamu had previously been cautioned for taking a knife to school, and, while awaiting trial for Elianne’s murder, threatened to “do it again”, the court heard.

There were shouts of “yes” and “murderer” from the public gallery as the jury delivered the verdicts.

Sentamu leaned against the front of the dock crying and wiping his eyes as Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb thanked and discharged the jurors.

Adjourning sentencing until 13 March for reports, the senior judge told the teenager: “I understand you must be very shocked and take time to get used to what has happened.”

Three dock officers supported the visibly distressed defendant as he was led down to the cells.

Members of Elianne’s family hugged as they left the courtroom.