An 18-year-old described as “evil” has been sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering a 15-year-old girl in a tragic incident sparked by a row over a teddy bear.
Hassan Sentamu, from New Addington near Croydon, fatally stabbed Elianne Andam outside the Whitgift Centre following an argument on September 27, 2023. Despite initially pleading guilty to manslaughter, Sentamu was found guilty of murder and possession of a blade after a jury dismissed his claim that autism impaired his self-control.
On Thursday, Sentamu was sentenced to life in prison, with a minimum term of 23 years. During the sentencing, Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb described Elianne as a “hard-working, happy girl” with a “radiant smile.”
The judge told Sentamu: “Elianne was 15 when you murdered her. She will forever remain 15, never realising the potential of her life.” She emphasized that Sentamu’s actions were driven by his “short temper, aggressive tendencies,” and decision to carry a knife.
Family members shared emotional statements with the court, describing the devastating impact of their loss. Elianne’s mother, Dorcas Andam, said her daughter was vibrant, creative, and deeply loving, and that her death had left “a deafening silence” in their lives. Elianne’s father, Michael Andam, expressed enduring torment over not being able to protect his daughter.
The court heard how Sentamu, known previously for violent behavior and carrying weapons, attacked Elianne in a moment of rage after a dispute involving his ex-girlfriend and the teddy bear. CCTV footage showed Sentamu repeatedly stabbing the schoolgirl, who pleaded for mercy as she lay on the ground.
Sentamu had a history of violent conduct, including previous threats and attacks against girls and carers. Defence counsel Pavlos Panayi KC noted Sentamu’s troubled background, though stating it could not “minimise, justify or excuse” the horrific crime.
As the sentence was delivered, anger erupted in the public gallery, with members of the public rejecting Sentamu’s earlier apology. Sentamu, visibly emotional, sat with his head bowed and wiped away tears.
