A former contestant from X Factor has refuted accusations of causing the death of a social media influencer by hitting her with a car in downtown London.
Gabrielle Carrington, aged 29, reportedly collided with Klaudia Zakrzewska, 32, outside Inca nightclub on Argyll Street, Soho, around 4:30 am on April 19.
Initially facing a charge of attempted murder, Carrington’s charge was elevated to murder following Ms. Zakrzewska’s passing on April 25.
During a plea hearing at the Old Bailey on Monday, Carrington, hailing from Broadfield Road, Manchester, appeared via video link from Bronzefield prison without legal representation.
In response to the judge’s inquiry about proceeding without a lawyer, Carrington expressed her reluctance to represent herself in the future but agreed to provide a plea that day despite being unrepresented.
Carrington pleaded not guilty to the murder charge and a separate count of causing grievous bodily harm with intent regarding security guard Anoush Chyche. No plea was entered for a third charge of driving with excess alcohol.
Regarding her choice of representation for the trial, Carrington emphasized the gravity of the decision, stating, “This is my life. This is the toughest decision I have to make.”
The trial, set to commence at the Old Bailey on January 5, will have pre-trial hearings scheduled for August 11 and October 9.
Interacting directly with Judge Sarah Whitehouse and prosecutor Crispin Aylett during the hearing, Carrington took notes on a large pad of paper.
Judge Whitehouse remanded Carrington into custody but ensured her presence at the next hearing at the Old Bailey.
The incident allegedly involved Carrington engaging in a confrontation with a man upon arrival in Argyll Street, followed by an altercation that grew, necessitating security staff intervention.
After purportedly getting back into her car and abruptly mounting the pavement, Carrington allegedly struck Ms. Zakrzewska and then hit security staff member Mr. Chyche, who was on the pavement.
Ms. Zakrzewska was found under the vehicle as it reversed, lying on the ground. Paramedics and police arrived at the scene at 5 am, with Ms. Zakrzewska succumbing to her injuries later in the hospital, while Mr. Chyche sustained severe injuries.
According to court records, Carrington’s alcohol breath test post-incident revealed 61 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath.
The defendant, recognized for her Instagram presence under the handle RIELLEUK with over 365,000 followers, reached the X Factor live finals in 2013 as part of Miss Dynamix. Described as a social media influencer who frequents the United Arab Emirates, she was charged in court.
Ms. Zakrzewska, known as Klaudiaglam on TikTok and Instagram, was also a notable influencer on social media platforms.