Teenage boy killed girl after teddy bear row, court hears

A teenage boy stabbed 15-year-old Elianne Andam to death ina fit of white-hot anger” at perceived disrespect in public by girls” after failing to hand over her friend’s teddy bear, a court has heard.

- TARA COBHAM

Hassan Sentamu, 18, lashed out at Elianne with a kitchen knife during a prearranged meeting in Croydon town centre with his ex-girlfriend and her group, the Old Bailey was told as the trial over her murder opened yesterday.

Rather than returning a teddy bear as part of a belongings swap, the then 17-year-old plunged his blade into Elianne's neck, having lost his temper at what he saw as "disrespect", jurors heard.

The defendant, who was studying sports science at Croydon College, has admitted manslaughter but denied Elianne's murder on the basis of "loss of control" because he has autism.

Prosecutor Alex Chalk KC told jurors: "Having heard the evidence you may feel that the catalyst for this dreadful attack was rather more simple: anger. White-hot anger at having been disrespected in public by girls, both by Elianne on the day of the killing and previously."

About 10 days before the killing, Sentamu had broken up with his girlfriend by text, telling her: "Ur energy is dead I'm not rdy for a relationship...all the best (sic)."

When she asked for her teddy bear back, he replied: "You can collect your ting on Wednesday before skl I'm gonna need my shit tho from the clothes to the pillows and flowers (sic)."

He appeared to become increasingly impatient, telling her: "Ur wasting my time do you want your thingy or not? If everything isn't in the bag your not gonna get your dumb little bear. (sic)."

The court heard the girl had reported back to her friends, with Elianne commenting: “He’s so rude.”