Elianne Andam murder accused blames autism for stabbing Croydon schoolgirl, 15, in teddy bear row
A teenager accused of stabbing 15-year-old Elianne Andam to death in a row over a teddy bear has blamed autism in his defence to murder. Hassan Sentamu, 18, lashed out at Elianne with a kitchen knife during a post-breakup meeting in Croydon town centre with his ex-girlfriend and her group on September 27 last year, the Old Bailey was told on Monday morning (December 9). 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. At the outset of the trial, Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb said the key issue for jurors will be to decide if Sentamu is guilty of murder of manslaughter, and whether he lawfully carried a knife. LIVE: Elianne Andam murder trial updates "The admission means he must be guilty of murder or manslaughter," said the judge, adding: "He also admits carrying a kitchen knife, but claims he had a lawful reason. The issue for you to ...