Schoolgirl, 15, was stabbed to death in 'fit of white-hot anger' by 'friend's ex-boyfriend in row over teddy bear', court hears

In a court hearing, it was revealed that a teenage boy fatally stabbed 15-year-old Elianne Andam when he got extremely angry for not being able to give back his friend’s teddy bear.

Hassan Sentamu, aged 18, attacked Elianne with a kitchen knife during a planned meeting at Croydon town center involving his former girlfriend and her friends, as recounted at the Old Bailey.

Instead of returning the teddy bear during an exchange of belongings, he impulsively stabbed Elianne in the neck, driven by anger over what he perceived as disrespect, according to testimonies from the jury.

He has admitted manslaughter but denied Elianne’s murder on the basis of ‘loss of control’ because he has autism.

Prosecutor Alex Chalk KC told jurors on Monday: ‘Having heard the evidence you may feel that the catalyst for this dreadful attack was rather more simple: anger.

‘White-hot anger at having been disrespected in public by girls, both by Elianne on the day of the killing and previously.’

The defendant, then aged 17, was already armed with the kitchen knife when he took the bus from his home in New Addington, south London, to the Whitgift Centre on the morning of last September 27, jurors heard.

He was on his way to a meeting with his ex-girlfriend, who he had split up with about 10 days before, and her group of friends, which included Elianne.

Elianne Andam (pictured) had met two female friends before she was knifed. It is alleged that Sentamu, wearing a mask and gloves, removed a large knife from his waistband and stabbed Elianne repeatedly

Elianne Andam (pictured) had met two female friends before she was knifed. It is alleged that Sentamu, wearing a mask and gloves, removed a large knife from his waistband and stabbed Elianne repeatedly 

18-year-old Hassan Sentamu (pictured) is charged with murdering Elianne Andam in Wellesley Road, near the Whitgift Centre, at around 8.30am on Wednesday, September 27, 2023

18-year-old Hassan Sentamu (pictured) is charged with murdering Elianne Andam in Wellesley Road, near the Whitgift Centre, at around 8.30am on Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Family and friends of Elianne Andam at the scene of the stabbing in Croydon, south London

Family and friends of Elianne Andam at the scene of the stabbing in Croydon, south London

Mr Chalk told jurors: ‘The purpose of the meeting was to exchange belongings. (The ex-girlfriend) in particular was anxious to recover her teddy bear.’

During the meeting in a car park at the Whitgift shopping centre, Sentamu’s ex-girlfriend, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, stuck with her side of the bargain.

She handed over a plastic bag containing his belongings but the defendant arrived empty-handed, jurors were told.

Mr Chalk said: ‘Elianne was aggrieved on her friend’s behalf. So, at around 8.30am whilst Hassan was walking outside the Whitgift Centre, Elianne took the plastic bag back.

‘It was a gesture of solidarity with (her friend) that cost Elianne her life.

‘The defendant chased after her, cornered her and used the kitchen knife to stab her repeatedly.

‘He drove the knife 12cm into her neck, severing the carotid artery and causing injuries that were unsurvivable.

‘Despite the rapid arrival of the emergency services and intensive efforts over the course of nearly an hour, Elianne died at the scene.’

Sentamu fatally stabbed the 15-year-old in a fit of 'white-hot anger', a court heard (pictured are investigators at the scene of the attack on September 27, 2023)

Sentamu fatally stabbed the 15-year-old in a fit of ‘white-hot anger’, a court heard (pictured are investigators at the scene of the attack on September 27, 2023)

CCTV footage captured the attack, Sentamu running from the scene and disposing of the knife.

He only got as far as the bus stop near his home before being arrested less than 90 minutes later, the court was told.

Mr Chalk said the defendant did not deny wielding the knife and causing Elianne’s death in the face of ‘overwhelming’ evidence against him.

He said that Sentamu had pleaded not guilty to murder on the basis that his responsibility was diminished having been diagnosed with autism in 2020.

He also denies having a blade claiming he had a ‘lawful reason’ for carrying it.

The prosecution acknowledged ‘with compassion’ the challenges posed by autism and the impact ‘adverse’ childhood experiences can have.

But Mr Chalk asserted that neither amounted to an ‘excuse, justification or defence’ for Elianne’s murder.

Sentamu had a ‘short fuse’ and on the day of the killing, he came to the end of it, jurors heard.

The prosecutor said: ‘His calculated decision to bring a knife to the scene meant that the consequences of that outburst for Elianne and her family were utterly devastating.’

Members of Elianne’s family sat in the well of the court as Mr Chalk outlined the case against Sentamu.

The Old Bailey trial before Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb continues.

You May Also Like

Actor George Wendt, known for his role in Cheers, passes away at age 76 with many honoring him as a loving family man and friend.

Cheers icon George Wendt has died aged 76. The legendary actor played…

QUENTIN LETTS Observes Brussels Elite Showcasing Swagger in London as Ursula Expresses Surprise and Delight

Standing between two Brussels grand-fromages, Sir Keir Starmer could have been an…

Tragic Accident: Girl’s Drowning at Waterpark ruled as Unlawful

An 11-year-old girl who drowned during a birthday party at a waterpark…

Ralph Fiennes from the show Conclave meets up with his older ex-partner after a long time – almost 20 years later, following their controversial relationship

Seemingly assured of an Oscar for his ‘phenomenal’ performance in Conclave, Ralph…

Denzel Washington misses Cannes Film Festival due to rift with Spike Lee over photographer incident

Denzel Washington skipped the press conference for Highest 2 Lowest following his altercation…

Friends go skinny dipping in a pool they thought was private, then find a surprising twist

A couple of skinny dippers had a surprising encounter during a dip…

Calls for Joe Biden’s doctor, who cleared him of health issues before he was diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer, to provide testimony

JOE BIDEN’S White House physician is facing mounting calls to testify under…

Children in Distress Make Frantic 911 Calls as Caretaker is Unconscious on the Floor

A West Virginia woman was arrested this week after young children made…

Kid Cudi Set to Give Testimony at Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Trial on Sex Trafficking

Rapper Kid Cudi is reportedly expected to testify against Sean “Diddy” Combs…

Taylor Swift’s supporters are overwhelmed as she unveils the initial track from Reputation (Taylor’s Version) in a remarkably unexpected manner

Taylor Swift’s fans got a thrilling surprise while watching the latest episode…

Celebrities like Scarlett Johansson, Eva Herzigova, Elsa Hosk, and Toni Garrn stun in beautiful outfits at the Cannes Film Festival premiere of “A Private Life”.

Scarlett Johansson, Eva Herzigova, Elsa Hosk, and Toni Garrn brought a touch…

“Keir Starmer Acknowledges Brexit Fatigue Among Brits Amid Backlash Over EU Deal Concessions”

Keir Starmer insisted Brits are ‘tired’ of Brexit rows today as he faced…