Psychiatrists testify about Hassan Sentamu’s mental state during the trial
Croydon: So, there’s this trial going on about Hassan Sentamu, right? Psychiatrists are saying he had a tough time controlling himself when it came to the tragic case of Elianne Andam. It’s pretty intense.
One psychiatrist, Professor Nigel Blackwood, mentioned that he diagnosed Sentamu with a conduct disorder. But he also made it clear that having autism didn’t really stop him from controlling his actions. That’s a big point in the trial.
Sentamu, who’s 18, is accused of murdering 15-year-old Elianne in September 2023. He’s claiming he didn’t mean to do it and that his autism played a role in his actions. He says he had a good reason for carrying a knife, which is a pretty serious claim.
During the questioning, the defense lawyer asked if a video showing Sentamu being bullied would change the psychiatrist’s mind. But the professor said it wouldn’t. He believes that the defense of diminished responsibility doesn’t really apply here.
It’s wild how the experts can disagree. Professor Blackwood said it’s not common, but in this case, it seems like they do. He also pointed out that autism doesn’t really lead to violent behavior, which is a crucial part of the discussion.
As the trial goes on, it’s clear that the psychiatrists are trying to figure out how much Sentamu’s mental health issues played into the incident. They’re diving deep into his history and how he reacts to situations.
Another psychiatrist, Professor Seena Fazel, also weighed in, saying that while autism is a lifelong condition, it can show up differently over time. He thinks Sentamu might have some personality issues, but they don’t quite fit the definition of a conduct disorder.
It’s a complicated situation, and the court is really trying to get to the bottom of it. The discussions about mental health and responsibility are super important, especially in cases like this.
