“Ugandan-Born Teen Hassan Sentamu, Who Called Himself 'Evil, & Fatally Stabbed Schoolgirl Elianne Andam-Court Hears Chilling Details of His Troubled Past and Violent History”

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Production News Court Report.

The trial of Hassan Sentamu, accused of fatally stabbing 15-year-old Elianne Andam in Croydon last year, has been adjourned until January 6, 2025. Sentamu, now 18, stands accused of murder and illegal possession of a knife, charges he denies.

He has admitted manslaughter, citing diminished responsibility due to autism, but denies murder. This update will provide a thorough, chronological examination of his background, the events leading to Elianne's tragic death, and his conduct while on remand.

Sentamu was born in Uganda in 2006 and moved to London at the age of three with his mother. This move followed allegations of domestic abuse against his father. Early in his

childhood, concerns about his behavior and mental health surfaced. At primary school, staff reported incidents of self-harm and aggression, including instances where he pushed and slapped other children. He was referred to mental health services during this period.

At 11, Sentamu's mother sent him to a boarding school in Uganda, where he reported being physically abused, including being beaten with a metal pole. Upon his return to London, his behavior became increasingly concerning. At age 12, he was placed in foster care after a social worker found him home alone. His mother reportedly told authorities to "take him away." His foster carer later described him as socially isolated, struggling to form friendships, and one to extreme reactions when irated, including threatening to cut the family cats tail off!

The court heard allegations that Sentamu's mother had been abusive, including an attempt to strangle him.

She denied these claims. By the age of 13, his behavior escalated further. In one incident, he brandished a knife in a classroom, threatening to harm himself. He received a police caution for possession of a bladed article.

Around this time, other concerning incidents were reported, including threatening a peer with scissors, placing two girls in headlocks, and threatening to stab another child during a residential trip.

In July 2019, Sentamu was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. However, this diagnosis did not mitigate his troubling behaviour, which persisted throughout his teenage years.

On September 27, 2023, the events culminating in Elianne Andam's tragic death unfolded. Outside the Whitgift Centre in Croydon, Elianne attempted to retrieve a bag from Sentamu after he refused to return her friend's teddy bear. In response, Sentamu stabbed her repeatedly with a kitchen knife. He was arrested shortly afterward, described by police as "smiling and joking."

Jurors at the Old Bailey were presented with evidence of Sentamu's alarming mindset in the weeks leading up to the attack. In a message to a friend, he described himself as "evil" and "dark," writing:

"Whenever you see me, it's never really me. It's a persona l put on. The real me is evil, dark, and miserable."

He also expressed a disturbing capacity for violence, saying:

"I can break people physically and mentally."

While on remand at Oakhill secure training center, Sentamu reportedly ingested chemicals, leading to an ambulance call. He was also accused of taunting another detainee, reportedly shouting:

"I'll do it again, I'll do it to your mum. Do you want to end up like her, six feet under?”

Staff also recovered a notebook in which he appeared to be "counting down to his own suicide."

Mrs. Justice Cheema-Grubb has adjourned the trial until January 2025, allowing further examination of the evidence and arguments regarding Sentamu's mental state and claims of diminished responsibility.

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

Bénédict Tarot Freeman

Editor-at-Large

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