Spring trial for Elianne Andam murder accused

The youth, who cannot be identified because of his age, is alleged to have killed Elianne as she made her way to school in Croydon, south London.

Elianne Andam was stabbed to death on Wednesday morning (Family handout/Met Police/PA)

A 17-year-old boy accused of repeatedly stabbing 15-year-old Elianne Andam in a “brutal” attack will face a murder trial in the spring, a court has heard.

The youth, who cannot be identified because of his age, is alleged to have killed Elianne as she made her way to school in Croydon, south London.

Elianne had met up with two female friends last Wednesday morning before she was fatally attacked.

It is claimed her attacker wearing a mask and gloves had removed a large knife from his waistband and stabbed Elianne repeatedly.

As he fled the scene, others attempted to administer first aid but Elianne could not be saved.

Multiple stab wounds were identified in a special post-mortem examination.

The defendant was arrested in New Addington at 9.45am the same day.

Prosecutor Alison Morgan KC said: “It was, the prosecution allege, a brutal attack.”

On Monday, the 17-year-old defendant appeared at the Old Bailey charged with murder and having a knife.

He wore a black sweater and grey jogging bottoms and sat between officers in the dock.

Judge Mark Lucraft KC set a plea hearing for December 19 and a provisional trial from April 29.

He said the case would be heard at the Old Bailey most likely before Judge Richard Marks KC.

The defendant was remanded into youth detention accommodation.

She was intelligent, thoughtful, kind and had a bright future ahead

Elianne Andam's family

Members of Elianne’s family sat in the well of the court during the half-hour long hearing.

Previously, they have said in a statement: “We as a family are struggling to comprehend this painful tragedy that has happened to our beautiful daughter and beloved sister Elianne. Our hearts are broken.

“Elianne was a beautiful person inside and out who loved Jesus. She was intelligent, thoughtful, kind and had a bright future ahead. It is our request that you keep our cherished daughter Elianne and our family in your thoughts and prayers.”

Elianne was the 15th teenage victim of homicide in London so far this year.