A teenager accused of murdering schoolgirl Elianne Andam shortly after she stepped off a bus in Croydon last year can be named for the first time.
Hassan Sentamu, 18, is accused of stabbing Elianne, 15, to death as she was making her way to school on September 27.
He has been granted anonymity during legal proceedings to date due to his age, but can be named today for the first time as he turns 18.
When Sentamu last appeared at the Old Bailey in March, he admitted being the person who inflicted the fatal knife wound to Elianne.
The teenager pleaded guilty to manslaughter but continues to deny the more serious charge of murder. He also pleaded not guilty to possessing a blade in a public place.
Elianne, a keen gymnast and cheerleader, was a year 11 pupil at Old Palace of John Whitgift school in Croydon.
She suffered a fatal knife wound shortly after she alighted from a No 60 bus with friends in Wellesley Road, near the Whitgift Shopping Centre, at around 8.30am on September 27.
It is claimed Sentamu, wearing a mask and gloves, removed a large knife from his waistband and stabbed Elianne repeatedly.
As he left the scene, others attempted to administer first aid but Elianne could not be saved.
At a vigil after her death, Rosemarie Mallett, the Bishop of Croydon, read a statement from Elianne’s family, saying: “We, as a family are struggling to comprehend this painful tragedy that has happened to our beautiful daughter and beloved sister Elianne.
“Our hearts are broken. We are overwhelmed by sorrow and grief but our faith in the Lord is strengthening us.”
Rapper Stormzy, who is from Croydon, joined Elianne’s family and mourners at a vigil outside Whitgift Shopping Centre last October.
Elianne’s mother, Dorcas Andam, paid tribute to her “smart, charismatic” daughter, who “loved living life to the fullest”.
“She brought joy to so many, including her friendship group,” Ms Andam said.
“She was an amazing, beautiful, girl.
“She loved and touched lives around her.”
Sentamu, who lives in Croydon, is set to stand trial for murder from November 25.
She said that she cannot believe that her daughter is gone.
Ms Andam added: “I can’t believe we won’t be seeing her anymore. I can’t believe she won’t be there to complain about her teenage activities.
“We should be planning her prom after year 11. She wanted to be a lawyer, and had so much to live for.”
She added: “It was a sad day for the whole family, now we are planning her funeral.”
