Teenager who stabbed girl over teddy bear row jailed for more than 20 years

A killer who stabbed a 15-year-old schoolgirl in the neck in a fit of "white hot" rage after she stood up for her friend in a row over a teddy bear has been jailed for 23 years.

- AMY-CLARE MARTIN

Hassan Sentamu, 18, had a history of attacking girls and carrying knives before he murdered aspiring human rights lawyer Elianne Andam, who was described as a “vibrant” and “creative” young woman who “would have changed the world”.

Elianne had arranged to meet Sentamu outside the Whitgift Centre in Croydon with her friend, Sentamu’s ex-girlfriend, to exchange possessions following their breakup. But the meeting ended in tragedy after the teen, then 17, arrived with a large kitchen knife concealed under his clothing, which he used to stab Elianne in a row over why he had not returned his ex’s teddy.

He admitted to killing the schoolgirl on 27 September 2023 but denied murder, claiming that his autism had affected his ability to exercise self-control. However, Sentamu, now 18, was found guilty by a majority verdict in January and was unanimously convicted of possessing the blade.

Jailing him for life with a minimum term of 23 years at the Old Bailey yesterday, Ms Justice Cheema-Grubb said: “Elianne Andam was 15 years old when you murdered her. She will always remain just 15. She will never realise the potential of her life.”

She described the teen as a “hardworking, happy girl who had lived life to the full” who was wearing her school uniform when she was murdered in full view of horrified commuters on their way to work.

Despite his diagnosis of autism and ADHD, she said: “In my judgment, the driver of your actions was your short temper and your aggressive tendencies” combined with his “deliberate decision” to carry a knife.

Less time already served on remand, he must spend at least another 21 years and 199 days in prison before he is eligible for parole. He was also sentenced to one year for possession of a bladed article, to be served concurrently.