An 18-year-old accused of fatally stabbing 15-year-old Elianne Andam during a confrontation in Croydon has cited autism as a factor in his defense against murder charges.

Hassan Sentamu, who was 17 at the time of the incident, admits to killing Elianne but denies murder, claiming the act was a result of “loss of control” influenced by his Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The case, being tried at the Old Bailey, centers on whether Sentamu is guilty of murder or manslaughter.

The stabbing occurred on September 27, 2023, during a meeting at the Whitgift Shopping Centre between Sentamu, his ex-girlfriend, and her friends, including Elianne. The meeting was to exchange personal belongings after a breakup. According to the prosecution, the incident escalated over a dispute involving a teddy bear, culminating in a violent attack on Elianne.

The Prosecution’s Case

Prosecutor Alex Chalk KC argued that Sentamu’s autism and troubled childhood, though undisputed, do not justify the crime. “Very many entirely non-violent and law-abiding people in society have autism,” he told the jury. “We will suggest to you that they do not and cannot sensibly amount to an excuse, justification, or defense to the murder of Elianne Andam.”

The court heard that Sentamu brought a kitchen knife with him to the meeting, which he later used to stab Elianne multiple times after she reclaimed a bag of belongings he had taken.

The prosecutor described the attack as driven by “white-hot anger” and a “short fuse,” suggesting Sentamu felt disrespected during the encounter. Elianne sustained a fatal 12cm neck wound and died within an hour.

Defense Claims Loss of Control

Sentamu’s defense team claims his autism substantially impaired his ability to exercise self-control, leading to the fatal outburst. The court was told that Sentamu had previously been diagnosed with ASD in 2020 and struggled with emotional regulation.

The judge, Mrs. Justice Cheema-Grubb, instructed jurors to consider whether the killing was premeditated or driven by an uncontrollable emotional response. “His case will be that the killing was caused entirely by a loss of self-control,” the judge explained.

Impact on the Community

Elianne Andam, described as a popular and well-loved schoolgirl, has been mourned by her family and community. A mural honoring her has been unveiled on Wellesley Road in Croydon.

CCTV captured the attack and Sentamu fleeing the scene. He was arrested 90 minutes later. The trial continues as the jury deliberates over the defendant’s intent and the relevance of his autism to the charges.