A London court has sentenced 18-year-old Hassan Sentamu to life in prison for the murder of 15-year-old Elianne Andam, who was stabbed to death over a row about a teddy bear.
Sentamu, the ex-boyfriend of Elianne’s friend, attacked her on her way to school in Croydon in September 2023 after a dispute about returning belongings, including a soft toy.
The court heard that Sentamu, who was 17 at the time, acted in a “white hot rage” following teasing from the girls the day before.
Judge Bobbie Cheema-Grubb condemned his actions as “senseless and evil,” adding that Elianne would forever remain 15 and never fulfill her potential.
Sentamu was ordered to serve a minimum of 23 years. The case has sparked national outrage as rising knife crime continues to be a major concern in the UK.