Teenager guilty of murdering Elianne Andam

Elianne Andam died during a meeting to exchange belongings with her killer's ex-girlfriend

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, admitted manslaughter, claiming he was not in control of his actions because of his autism but the jury, after deliberating for nearly 12 hours, did not accept this defence of diminished responsibility.

Sentamu was also convicted of illegally possessing a knife.

Elianne Andam was stabbed in a row over a teddy bear

Elianne's father Michael Andam said the verdict "could not bring Elianne back".

"Our world was shattered, and our hearts were broken by the senseless and violent loss of our beloved daughter, Elianne Andam," he said on behalf of the family outside the Old Bailey.

"At just 15 years old she had her whole life ahead of her, filled with hopes and dreams for the future - all cruelly taken away from her, and from us.

"Her death has left a void in our lives that can never be filled."

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

The court heard 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.

'Her life mattered'

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."

Elianne suffered a fatal 12cm deep stab to the neck and a passing bus driver held her hand and stayed with her as she lay dying in the street.

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.

Hassan Sentamu was convicted at the Old Bailey by a majority verdict of 10-2

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.

Following the verdict, Det Ch Insp Becky Woodsford, who led the investigation, praised the bravery of Elianne's family and her friends whose information helped find Sentamu quickly.

She said: "I cannot imagine what they have been through but the bravery they showed in assisting us with that investigation and going through the trauma, I just think shows they were trying to look after their friend and stand up for Elianne and do what was right."

She also praised the bus driver who comforted Elianne and held her hand as she died.

Michael Andam said his daughter was "cruelly taken away"

The Andam family said they would fight against the violence and knife crime, especially toward young women, that took Elianne.

"We will be sharing her story and working toward a world where no family has to endure such heartbreak".

Her father said: "This trial has been our fight for justice, forcing us to confront the devastating details of Elianne's final moments, details that will remain with us forever.

"Elianne's life mattered, and her legacy will live on in our hearts forever."