Former X Factor Finalist Denies Murder and GBH Charges in London Court
Ninoda.com – A former X Factor finalist denies murder charges after allegedly running over a social media influencer with her car in central London. Gabrielle Carrington, a 29-year-old singer from Manchester, appeared at the Old Bailey via video link from Bronzefield prison to enter her pleas. The incident occurred outside Inca nightclub in Argyll Street, Soho, at 04:30 BST on 19 April, when she allegedly struck Klaudia Zakrzewska with her vehicle.
Initially, Carrington faced an attempted murder charge, but prosecutors upgraded this to murder after Zakrzewska succumbed to her injuries six days later. The defendant, who appeared without legal representation, also denied a second charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent directed at security guard Anoush Chyche. She was not required to enter a formal plea to a third charge concerning driving with excess alcohol.
Emotional Court Appearance and Trial Date
Family members of both victims shook their heads as Carrington read out her denials. Judge Sarah Whitehouse KC confirmed that the trial will proceed at the Old Bailey starting from 5 January. Throughout the hearing, Carrington appeared visibly emotional, frequently wiping tears from her face before being remanded into custody following the proceedings.
“The defendant denies all charges brought against her in connection with this tragic incident,” the court heard.
According to court testimony, Carrington arrived in Argyll Street in her car and was seen having an altercation with a male as she exited the vehicle. The confrontation escalated as additional people joined the dispute, prompting security personnel to intervene. Carrington allegedly returned to her car and drove off, sharply mounting the pavement and striking Zakrzewska in the process.
The vehicle subsequently hit Chyche, who was standing on the pavement, it is claimed. As the car reversed, witnesses observed Zakrzewska lying prone beneath the vehicle. Zakrzewska later died in hospital, while Chyche, a man in his 50s, sustained what medical professionals described as “life-changing injuries.”
Klaudia Zakrzewska had amassed more than 270,000 followers on Instagram before her death. Carrington, who maintains over 365,000 Instagram followers under the handle RIELLEUK, reached the X Factor live finals in 2013 as one of three members of the group Miss Dynamix. Zakrzewska, who was in her 30s, was a well-known TikTok and Instagram influencer recognized by the name Klaudiaglam and made regular trips to the United Arab Emirates for content creation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges is Gabrielle Carrington facing? Carrington faces two main charges: murder and causing grievous bodily harm with intent. She also faces a third charge of driving with excess alcohol, though no plea was entered to this charge during the hearing.
When will the trial take place? Judge Sarah Whitehouse KC confirmed the trial will begin at the Old Bailey on 5 January, with proceedings expected to last several weeks.
Who is Gabrielle Carrington? Gabrielle Carrington is a 29-year-old singer from Manchester who gained fame as a member of Miss Dynamix, reaching the X Factor live finals in 2013. She is also a social media influencer with over 365,000 Instagram followers.
What happened to Klaudia Zakrzewska? Zakrzewska was struck by Carrington’s car on 19 April and died six days later from her injuries. She was a popular TikTok and Instagram influencer known as Klaudiaglam with more than 270,000 followers.
Additional reporting by PA Media. For more updates, visit BBC News UK or follow BBC London on social media platforms.
