Teenager found guilty of the murder of 15-year-old schoolgirl

A teenage boy who stabbed a schoolgirl to death has been found guilty of her murder today at the Old Bailey.  

Hassan Sentamu, who was 17 at the time of the offence, attacked 15-year-old Elianne Andam outside a shopping centre in Croydon, South London, after an argument broke out amongst the group of friends. 

The court heard how Sentamu showed no mercy, stabbing the victim four times, as she begged him to stop.  

Over the course of the four-week trial, prosecutors outlined the escalation of the fall out amongst the group of friends as a result of Sentamu ending a relationship with the victim’s friend.  

Samantha Yelland, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “This was a tragic case where young Elianne, who had her whole life ahead of her, was brutally murdered by Hassan Sentamu.  

“Our thoughts remain with her devastated family and friends who loved her dearly, as well as those who had to witness the shocking attack that morning.  

“The evidence in this case was overwhelming, with clear CCTV footage showing Sentamu attacking Elianne. Whilst Sentamu pleaded guilty to a charge of manslaughter, the evidence clearly showed this plea was unacceptable and we set to prove his responsibility for the murder. 

“I am pleased the jury have agreed with our case that Sentamu was capable and had the mental capacity to be held responsible for the brutal murder of Elianne, which I hope will provide some comfort for those who now have to live a life without her.”

In the days leading up to the murder, the former couple had agreed to meet up to exchange their belongings and asked friends to accompany them. However, when Sentamu turned up and failed to return Elianne’s friend’s belongings, she grabbed the bag of his belongings from him.  

It was then that Sentamu chased after Elianne, produced a knife and repeatedly stabbed her in broad daylight, the morning of Wednesday 27 September 2023, with members of the public witnessing the attack.  

Sentamu admitted to the manslaughter of Elianne, but pleaded not guilty to her murder on the basis of diminished responsibility, stating that his autism meant he could not control his actions. Prosecutors argued that in this case, his behaviour in the past and on the day showed that he could exercise self-control, and so his condition was not a justification or defence to the murder of Elianne.