Gabrielle Carrington, a 29-year-old former X Factor finalist accused of killing influencer Klaudia Zakrzewska with a car in Soho, has been ordered to confirm within seven days who will represent her at trial. Carrington denies murder over the death of Zakrzewska, 32, who died six days after allegedly being struck outside the Inca nightclub on 19 April, and her trial is set to open at the Old Bailey on 5 January.
Prosecutors allege a woman got into a car before it suddenly lurched forward and struck Zakrzewska. According to a national broadcaster's report, the collision is said to have happened at 04:30 BST outside the nightclub on Argyll Street in Soho.
Carrington, from Manchester, appeared via video link from Bronzefield prison rather than in person, according to the same report. She told the court that representing herself would be "crazy" and said she intended to confirm her chosen legal firm by 17 August. No barrister appeared on her behalf during Tuesday afternoon's hearing.
What other charges does she face?
Carrington has pleaded not guilty to murder and to a separate charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent against security guard Anoush Chyche, who is in his 50s and is described by prosecutors as having suffered "life-changing injuries". A third charge, of driving with excess alcohol, was also listed at the hearing, though Carrington was not asked to enter a plea to it on this occasion, per the broadcaster's account.
The case initially began as an allegation of attempted murder but was upgraded to murder after Zakrzewska died from her injuries in hospital six days after the incident, the same source reports. Carrington was also described in court as a social media influencer who made regular trips to the United Arab Emirates.
Our earlier coverage detailed how Carrington first denied the murder and GBH charges following the alleged car strike in Soho on 19 April.
Who was Klaudia Zakrzewska?
Zakrzewska worked as a TikTok and Instagram influencer under the name Klaudiaglam. Carrington herself has a substantial online following, with more than 365,000 followers on Instagram under the handle RIELLEUK, and rose to public attention in 2013 when she reached the X Factor live finals as one of three members of the group Miss Dynamix.
What happens next?
Carrington's trial is scheduled to begin at the Old Bailey on 5 January, when the court is expected to hear evidence relating to both the murder charge and the grievous bodily harm allegation. The outstanding question of legal representation is due to be resolved by 17 August, when Carrington has said she will confirm which firm will act for her.
- Gabrielle Carrington, 29, denies murdering Klaudia Zakrzewska, 32, in Soho on 19 April.
- The charge was originally attempted murder before being upgraded after Zakrzewska died six days later.
- A third charge of driving with excess alcohol has been listed but not yet put to Carrington.
- Security guard Anoush Chyche, in his 50s, suffered what prosecutors call "life-changing injuries".
- The trial is due to start at the Old Bailey on 5 January.
