Identity of teenager accused of stabbing 15-year-old Elianne Andam at a bus stop revealed for …

September 6, 2024, 08:55 am | Updated: September 6, 2024, 09:32 am

The identity of the teenager accused of stabbing 15-year-old schoolgirl Elianne Andam at a bus stop was revealed for the first time on his 18th birthday.

Hassan Sentamu is accused of murdering Elianne on Wellesley Road, near the Whitgift Centre, at around 8:30am on Wednesday 27 September 2023.

At the time of the stabbing, Sentamu was 17 years old and his name could not be disclosed.

The teenager pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey to the schoolgirl's manslaughter on September 27 last year, but denied murdering her.

The prosecution rejected the confession and the trial was scheduled for November.

Read more: 17-year-old boy confesses to killing 15-year-old Elianne Andam, who was stabbed to death at a bus stop in Croydon – but denies murder

Read more: Elianne Andam, 15, was laid to rest after being carried by pink-feathered horses to the funeral of the teenager stabbed to death in Croydon

Elianne was stabbed to death on her way to school near a bus stop on Wellesley Road in Croydon last September.

She was on her way to the Old Palace of John Whitgift private school and got out to help during the brawl while being praised as a “heroine.”

A bus driver and passersby tried to save her, but despite their efforts and those of paramedics rushing to the scene of the accident, she died on the sidewalk.

According to witnesses, the attacker tried to give his ex-girlfriend flowers on a bus, but they were rejected. The victim was then stabbed in the neck after she tried to protect her friend.

At the time of her death, a church leader read a statement on behalf of the family, saying: “As a family, we are struggling to comprehend this painful tragedy that has befallen our beautiful daughter and beloved sister Elianne. Our hearts are broken.”

“And we are overwhelmed with grief and sorrow. Our faith in the Lord gives us strength.

“We would like to express our gratitude to those who have taken the time to send us thoughtful and compassionate messages and prayers.”

Elliane wanted to become a lawyer and was a passionate gymnast, her family told journalists.

Sentamu, from Croydon, is due to stand trial for murder from November 25.