Boy, 17, accused of stabbing private schoolgirl, 15, to death ‘while wearing black gloves and a face mask’ fails to appear to enter pleas

A 17-year-old by has been accused of stabbing a 15-year-old private schoolgirl to death with a kitchen knife as she got off a bus on her way to school. 

The teenager, who cannot be named, allegedly stabbed Elianne Andam as she made her way to the Old Palace of John Whitgift School in Croyden on 27 September 2023.

The year 11 pupil was killed after trying to protect a friend who had recently ended a relationship with the defendant, who had met them that morning dressed in black gloves and a face mask.

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

The alleged killer was due to enter pleas at the Old Bailey today but was not produced from custody.

He is charged with murder and possession of a bladed weapon, namely a kitchen knife, in a public place.

A provisional three week trial date is set for 29 April.

Mr Justice Cavanagh, KC, adjourned the plea hearing until 7 March.

Prosecutor Alison Morgan, KC, earlier said 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, the court heard. 

‘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 17-year-old remains in custody.