Teen Killer Guilty: Hassan Sentamu Convicted of Murdering Elianne Andam in Vicious Stabbing Over Social Disempowerment

Hi, and welcome to this Video Production News Court Report - Live from the Old Bailey.

A teenager who stabbed 15-year-old Elianne Andam to death outside the Whitgift Centre in Croydon in September 2023 has been found guilty of murder.

The verdict against Hassan Sentamu, now 18, came after a harrowing trial at the Old Bailey. The jury rejected his plea of diminished responsibility due to autism spectrum disorder, deliberating for over 11 hours before returning a 10-2 majority verdict.

"Explosive Rage" and Fatal Intent”

Sentamu admitted manslaughter but denied murder, claiming his autism made him unable to control his actions.

However, prosecutors argued that the killing was deliberate and motivated by a desire for revenge after feeling "disrespected and disempowered" by a group of girls, including his ex-girlfriend and Elianne. On the day before the attack, Sentamu had been humiliated when the girls threw water at him during an argument.

The court heard how he brooded over the incident overnight, choosing to arm himself with a kitchen knife and donning gloves and a mask the next morning. At the fatal encounter, he refused to hand over his ex-girlfriend's belongings, including a teddy bear.

When Elianne grabbed a bag containing his items, Sentamu chased her down and stabbed her multiple times in front of shocked bystanders.

A History of Troubled Behaviour

Evidence presented to the jury detailed Sentamu's troubled past. He fled to the UK from Uganda aged 5 along with Mother and 3 sisters escaping domestic abuse. He was Diagnosed with autism at 14, he experienced a chaotic childhood marked by foster care placements, pupil referral units, and reports of violence, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts. His history included threatening others with knives on multiple occasions.

During the trial, forensic psychiatrist Professor Nigel Blackwood testified that Sentamu was fully aware of his actions and intent. He described the attack as an:

"Explosive Rage of Savage Violence"

Rather than an uncontrollable episode caused by autism.

Psychologist Dr Sinéad Marriott highlighted Sentamu's very low IQ, profound difficulties with social disempowerment and managing anger. However, neither expert supported his defence of diminished responsibility.

Sentencing Awaits

The trial concluded with Sentamu also being convicted of possessing a knife without lawful excuse. Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb will sentence him at a later date.

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With the verdict now reached, the next phase in this case will be the sentencing of Hassan Sentamu, who has been convicted of both murder and possession of a knife in a public place. Sentencing for these offences will follow established legal guidelines.

For murder, a life sentence is mandatory under English law. However, the court must determine a minimum term that Sentamu will serve before being eligible for parole. Since he was 17 at the time of the offence, sentencing guidelines for juvenile offenders apply.

The starting point for a life sentence involving a minor is typically 12 years, but this can increase significantly based on aggravating factors such as premeditation, use of a weapon, and previous violent behaviour.

For possession of a knife in a public place, the maximum sentence is four years’ imprisonment, although this depends on whether previous knife offences exist and the context in which the weapon was carried. In this case, the prosecution argued that Sentamu armed himself with a kitchen knife deliberately as part of a premeditated act of violence, which will likely be considered a serious aggravating factor.

Sentencing will also take into account the evidence of Sentamu’s autism spectrum disorder, his extremely low IQ, and his difficulty managing social disempowerment and emotional regulation, as highlighted by medical experts during the trial. However, the jury’s rejection of the diminished responsibility defence indicates the court will not view these as significantly mitigating.

Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb, known for her firm handling of complex and serious cases, will deliver the sentence at a later date. Her decision will balance the severity of Elianne Andam’s tragic death, the risk Sentamu poses to the public, and any scope for rehabilitation.

For full coverage of the sentencing hearing and an in-depth legal breakdown, stay tuned to Video Production News.

Well, that's all for now. But until our next article, please stay tuned, stay On informed, but most of all, stay safe, and I'll see you then.

Bénédict Tarot Freeman

Editor-at-Large

VPN City-Desk

citydesk@vonldn.co.uk