The trial of Hassan Sentamu continues, with autism highlighted as a major factor in his defense against murder charges
Croydon: The Elianne Andam murder trial is back in session at the Old Bailey. Today marks the fourth day of psychiatric evidence. Hassan Sentamu, just 18, is accused of killing 15-year-old Elianne in September 2023. He’s claiming diminished responsibility due to autism.
On Wednesday, the defense brought in Professor Seena Fazel, a forensic psychiatrist from Oxford. He agreed that Sentamu has autism but disagreed with the prosecution’s expert, Professor Nigel Blackwood from King’s College London.
While Blackwood thinks Sentamu has Conduct Disorder and that diminished responsibility doesn’t apply, Fazel believes autism played a significant role in the case. He mentioned that it’s tough to separate any personality issues from the autism diagnosis.
Fazel shared that he spoke with Sentamu’s mother to get a better understanding of his mental health. He felt that the school records alone didn’t give the full picture. He wanted to know more about Sentamu’s background, which is often missed in brief records.
He explained to the jury that autism likely affected Sentamu’s ability to manage his anger and feelings of disrespect. Fazel emphasized that ASD made it harder for him to regulate his emotions, especially when he felt mocked or humiliated.
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