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A SCHOOLGIRL was stabbed in the neck by her pal's ex-boyfriend in a row over a teddy bear, a court has heard.

Elianne Andam, 15, was knifed as she tried to stick up for a friend as on their way to school in Croydon, South London, in September last year.

Elianne Andam was stabbed to death on her way to school
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Elianne Andam was stabbed to death on her way to schoolCredit: Central News
Hassan Sentamu, who was studying sports science at Croydon College, is charged with the schoolgirl's murder
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Hassan Sentamu, who was studying sports science at Croydon College, is charged with the schoolgirl's murder
Stormzy joined hundreds of mourners at a vigil outside the Whitgift shopping centre in Croydon
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Stormzy joined hundreds of mourners at a vigil outside the Whitgift shopping centre in CroydonCredit: PA

She had gotten off a bus with friends when she was allegedly attacked by Hassan Sentamu, then 17, near the Whitgift Shopping Centre.

Elianne was friends with Sentamu's ex-girlfriend, who had broken up with him 10 days earlier.

She was part of a group that had arranged to see Sentamu before school in order to exchange belongings following the break-up.

But he stabbed Elianne to death while in a fit of "white-hot anger" after failing to return her teddy bear, a court heard today.

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Horrified witnesses tried to save her, but the schoolgirl died at the scene a short time later.

A post mortem found she suffered multiple stab wounds.

Sentamu, now 18, has admitted manslaughter and accepts he inflicted the fatal knife wound.

But he denies murder on the basis of “loss of control” because he has autism and possession of a blade in a public place as he had a "lawful reason" for carrying it.

Opening the trial at the Old Bailey today, prosecutor Alex Chalk said: "Having heard the evidence you may feel that the catalyst for this dreadful attack was rather more simple: anger.

"White-hot anger at having been disrespected in public by girls, both by Elianne on the day of the killing and previously."

Ten days before the alleged attack, Sentamu had broken up with his girlfriend by text, telling her: "Ur energy is dead I’m not rdy for a relationship…all the best (sic)."

When she asked for her teddy bear back, he replied: "You can collect your ting on Wednesday before skl I’m gonna need my shit tho from the clothes to the pillows and flowers (sic)."

Stormzy made secret generous gift to the family of teenage knife crime victim

The day before the Elianne's death, Sentamu had met the girls at the Whitgift Centre where they "teased" him and his ex-girlfriend threw water on him, jurors heard.

He was splashed again and at least one of the girls joked that "tomorrow he would kill them all", the court heard.

Later that evening, Sentamu “brooded” about what happened and allegedly told a friend: "Bro, I can’t let this slide."

The moment Sentamu was found by police
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The moment Sentamu was found by policeCredit: X@CourtNewsUK
The teenager acted confused when he was told to put his hands behind his back
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The teenager acted confused when he was told to put his hands behind his backCredit: X@CourtNewsUK

Sentamu was armed with a kitchen knife when he took a bus from his home in New Addington to she shopping centre on September 27 last year, the court heard.

He met up with his ex-girlfriend, who cannot be named, and her pals in a car park at the shopping centre.

Mr Chalk said: "The purpose of the meeting was to exchange belongings. (The ex-girlfriend) in particular was anxious to recover her teddy bear."

The ex-girlfriend stuck with her side of the bargain and handed him a plastic bag full of belongings, the court heard.

But Sentamu arrived empty-handed and a row broke out, jurors were told.

Mr Chalk added: "Elianne was aggrieved on her friend’s behalf. So, at around 8.30am whilst Hassan was walking outside the Whitgift Centre, Elianne took the plastic bag back.

"It was a gesture of solidarity with (her friend) that cost Elianne her life.

"The defendant chased after her, cornered her and used the kitchen knife to stab her repeatedly.

Elianne died after trying to stick up for her friend
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Elianne died after trying to stick up for her friendCredit: MET POLICE/UNPIXS
An aerial view of the scene of the stabbing in Croydon last year
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An aerial view of the scene of the stabbing in Croydon last yearCredit: ITV/UNPIXS
Mourners attending a vigil outside the Whitgift shopping centre
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Mourners attending a vigil outside the Whitgift shopping centreCredit: PA

"He drove the knife 12cm into her neck, severing the carotid artery and causing injuries that were unsurvivable.

"Despite the rapid arrival of the emergency services and intensive efforts over the course of nearly an hour, Elianne died at the scene."

CCTV captured the stabbing, allegedly showing Sentamu fleeing the scene and discarding the knife.

He was arrested at a bus stop near his home less than 90 minutes later.

Bodycam footage showed the moment he was stopped by officers walking across a park.

He told police his name was John before being asked to put his hands behind his back.

Sentamu asked: "Why, why, I didn't do nothing bro".

Hundreds of people - including rapper Stormzy - paid tribute to Elianne in a candlelit vigil.

Her mum Dorcas Andam said her daughter was “smart, charismatic” and “loved living life to the fullest”.

The mum added: “She brought joy to so many, including her friendship group.

“She was an amazing, beautiful, girl. She loved and touched lives around her.”

In a moving tribute, the schoolgirl's family said they were "struggling to comprehend this painful tragedy".

They added: "Our hearts are broken. Elianne was a beautiful person inside and out who loved Jesus.

"She was intelligent, thoughtful, kind and had a bright future ahead.

"It is our request that you keep our cherished daughter Elianne and our family in your thoughts and prayers."

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Members of Elianne’s family sat in the well of the court as Mr Chalk outlined the case against Sentamu.

The trial continues

Flowers and tributes are placed near scene of the fatal stabbing last year
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Flowers and tributes are placed near scene of the fatal stabbing last yearCredit: LNP
Hundreds attended a vigil days after the schoolgirl's death
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Hundreds attended a vigil days after the schoolgirl's deathCredit: PA
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