Teen killer jailed for 23 years after stabbing schoolgirl to death over a teddy bear in a horrific attack.

A teenage murderer who stabbed a schoolgirl to death in a horrifying attack over a teddy bear has been sentenced to life in prison.

Hassan Sentamu, now 18, mercilessly killed 15-year-old Elianne Andam in broad daylight outside the Whitgift Centre in Croydon, south London, in September 2023. As she lay pinned to the ground, bleeding out, she begged for her life. He ignored her pleas and continued his attack, severing her carotid artery with repeated knife thrusts.

Sentamu, a regular cannabis smoker with a history of violent behaviour and knife possession, tried to claim in court that his autism and low IQ caused him to lose control. However, jurors at the Old Bailey rejected his defence and found him guilty of murder in January. He was also convicted of possessing a blade.

Wearing a black suit, white shirt, and black tie, Sentamu sat motionless as he was sentenced to life with a minimum of 23 years behind bars.

A ‘Senseless, Monstrous, and Evil’ Killing

Elianne’s grieving parents described their daughter’s murder as “senseless, monstrous, and evil.” Her mother, Dorcas Andam, told the court that Elianne had “radiant smiles” and “was going to change the world” before her life was stolen in a brutal and humiliating way.

“The most painful part,” she said, her voice shaking with grief, “is that one day you will finish your sentence, walk free, and get to see your family. We will never see our daughter again.”

Elianne’s father, Michael Andam, spoke of the deafening silence at home and the unrelenting pain of knowing his daughter would never walk through their door again.

“No parent should ever have to bury their own child,” he said.

The Murder Over a Teddy Bear

The attack stemmed from a dispute over a stuffed toy. Sentamu had recently broken up with his girlfriend, who wanted her favourite teddy bear back. They arranged to meet on September 27 to exchange belongings, but when Sentamu showed up without the toy, Elianne stepped in to support her friend.

In a show of defiance, Elianne grabbed Sentamu’s bag and tried to run away. He reacted with unrelenting fury, chasing her down with a knife hidden under his clothing. When he caught her at a bus stop, he plunged the blade into her neck and shoulder, leaving her bleeding to death on the pavement.

Eyewitnesses described the attack as “frenzied” and “barbaric.” The prosecution revealed that Sentamu had deliberately concealed his weapon, wearing two pairs of gloves and a mask—proof that he had been prepared to use violence.

Even after his conviction, his violent tendencies did not stop. While being held on remand, he assaulted a fellow inmate, punching a child in the face and knocking him to the floor.

Killer’s Hollow Apology

In court, Sentamu tried to portray himself as remorseful, claiming he prayed “every day” for Elianne’s family. He insisted he wanted to “help others” and prevent young people from making similar “mistakes.”

His words were met with audible scoffs from the public gallery.

His defence barrister, Pavlos Panayi KC, argued that Sentamu had suffered a traumatic upbringing in Uganda, where he endured brutal beatings in boarding school and witnessed domestic violence at home.

But Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb dismissed any excuses.

“Elianne was 15 when you murdered her. She will always remain just 15,” she told him. “She will never realise the potential of her life.”

As he was led from the courtroom, a furious voice rang out from the gallery:

“F— you and your apology – you deserve the death penalty.”