Boy admits killing schoolgirl – but denies murder

UK

A 17-year-old boy has admitted to killing a schoolgirl in south London last year.

Elianne Andam, 15, was repeatedly stabbed while walking to school in Croydon in September.

She died near a bus stop close to the Whitgift shopping centre during the morning rush hour.

The teenage defendant, who cannot be identified because of his age, pleaded not guilty to murder when he appeared via videolink at the Old Bailey in central London on Thursday morning, instead admitting manslaughter.

The plea was not accepted by prosecutors and a trial will take place from 25 November at the same court.

The boy also denied possessing a blade in a public place.

Police responded to the incident in Wellesley Road on 27 September within two minutes – but Elianne, who was stabbed in the neck, was pronounced dead at the scene at around 9.20am.

Elianne, who went to the Old Palace of John Whitgift School, was attacked with a foot-long knife.

Speaking in the days after her death, Elianne’s family said “our hearts are broken by the senseless death of our daughter.

“Elianne was the light of our lives. She was bright and funny, with many friends who all adored her.

“She was only 15, and had her whole life ahead of her, with hopes and dreams for the future.”

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.

Please refresh the page for the fullest version.

You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow @SkyNews on X or subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.

Products You May Like

Articles You May Like

United Utilities increases profit by more than £100m as it seeks more bill rises
Brexit has ‘weighed’ on UK economy – Bank of England governor
What it’s like to fight (and lose) against UFC star Jon Jones
Oil could plunge to $40 in 2025 if OPEC unwinds voluntary production cuts, analysts say
Premier League referee suspended after video appears to show him insulting Liverpool FC and Klopp

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *