Elianne Andam Murder Trial: Conflicting Expert Opinions Take Center Stage
The trial of Hassan Sentamu for Elianne Andam’s murder featured two experts with opposing views on his mental state
Elianne Andam, Hassan Sentamu, Croydon, UK, Murder Trial, Knife Crime
Croydon: It was a tragic day when 15-year-old Elianne Andam lost her life. Hassan Sentamu, the one responsible, felt a deep shame after being humiliated by a group of girls. That shame turned into something far worse.
Sentamu, tall and wiry, looked like a kid trying to fit into adult clothes. He often hung his head low, gripping a stress ball tightly. You could see the rage simmering beneath the surface, especially when he was called out during the trial.
He made frequent trips out of the courtroom, peeking at the press bench, maybe wondering how he was being portrayed. But it was during the prosecution’s closing arguments that his anger really bubbled over. He stormed out, fists clenched, perhaps realizing the gravity of the situation.
Then came the verdict: guilty. A woman laid flowers at the spot where Elianne was killed, a heartbreaking reminder of the loss.
The prosecutor pointed out that people with tough backgrounds would be offended by the idea that Sentamu’s upbringing could excuse his actions. It was a nod to his violent past, but the message was clear: violence is never the answer.
Sentamu’s childhood was filled with trauma. Born in Uganda, he faced violence at home and in school. After moving to the UK, he struggled with feelings of isolation and anger, leading to troubling behavior.
At school, he was known for his violent outbursts. Teachers noticed him hurting himself and others, and he was eventually placed in care after his mother couldn’t handle him anymore. His foster mother witnessed his rage firsthand, and it was clear he needed help.
Fast forward to September 2023, and Sentamu was back in mainstream education. But he was still battling his demons, feeling suicidal and lost. He reached out to friends, expressing his pain and confusion.
Things took a turn when he met a girl who would become his girlfriend. But after a rough breakup, Sentamu’s anger flared up again. He felt humiliated and decided he couldn’t let it go.
On September 26, he confronted his ex-girlfriend and her friends at a shopping center. The girls teased him, and he stood there, arms crossed, trying to keep his cool. But when water was thrown at him, it pushed him over the edge.
Sentamu texted his friend that he couldn’t let it slide. The next day, he armed himself with a knife and went to meet his ex. What started as a simple exchange turned deadly when Elianne playfully grabbed his bag.
In a moment of rage, he stabbed her multiple times, a horrific act that shocked everyone. Witnesses described the scene, and it was clear that this was not just a crime of passion but a culmination of years of unresolved anger.
Sentamu was arrested shortly after, trying to hide his identity. In court, he remained silent, refusing to take responsibility for his actions. The trial hinged on conflicting expert opinions about his mental state, with one psychiatrist arguing that his autism impaired his self-control, while another disagreed.
Ultimately, the jury had to decide who was right. The judge made it clear: one of the experts must be wrong. The case highlighted the complexities of mental health and the consequences of unchecked anger.
Elianne’s family mourned the loss of their bright, promising daughter. Her mother had worked hard to give her a better life, and now they were left with heartbreak. The community came together to remember Elianne, calling for an end to knife crime and honoring her memory.