April trial for teenager accused of murdering Elianne Andam

The teenager accused of murdering private schoolgirl Elianne Andam in Croydon last week will stand trial next April

The 17-year-old, who cannot be named, allegedly stabbed 15-year-old Elianne with a kitchen knife as she made her way to the Old Palace of John Whitgift School on 27 September.

The year 11 pupil was killed after getting off a double-decker bus on Wellsley Road and trying to protect a friend.

Police and paramedics arrived shortly after 8.30am but were unable to save Elianne and she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Wearing a black jumper and light grey tracksuit bottoms, the bespectacled teenager spoke to confirm his name and date of birth when he appeared at the Old Bailey.

He showed no emotion and sat slumped in the dock during the hearing that lasted less than half an hour while 23 people, including friends and relatives of Elianne, looked down from the public gallery.

The 17-year-old is charged with murder and possession of a bladed weapon, namely a kitchen knife, in a public place.

The Recorder of London, Judge Mark Lucraft fixed a provisional trial date for 29 April 2024 with a plea and trial preparation hearing on 19 December.

Alison Morgan, KC, prosecuting, explained that a friend of Elianne had just ended a relationship with the defendant and they arranged to meet that morning.

‘The purpose of the meeting was to facilitate the defendant and (his ex-girlfriend) exchanging possessions.

‘The defendant arrived with black gloves and a face mask. In coming to the meeting he had armed himself with a large knife which he was carrying with him.’

Ms Morgan said the defendant’s ex-girlfriend handed over his belongings but he did not hand hers over.

‘Elianne took it upon herself to challenge the defendant and ask for the property.’

She then ran past and grabbed the Tesco carrier bag.

‘In response to that he turned in anger. He pursued her for a short distance, removing the knife from his waist band and then stabbing her repeatedly.

‘He inflicted fatal injuries upon her.

‘There were a number of witnesses on board the bus who saw what was happening.’

The accused killer fled the scene and took the bus home where he was later arrested.