A former X Factor finalist has denied murdering a social media influencer by running her over with a car in central London. Gabrielle Carrington, 29, of Manchester, appeared at the Old Bailey by video link from Bronzefield prison and pleaded not guilty to murder after the charge was changed from attempted murder when Klaudia Zakrzewska died from her injuries six days later.
Carrington is accused of striking Zakrzewska outside Inca nightclub in Argyll Street, Soho, at 04:30 BST on 19 April. Family members of the victims shook their heads as Carrington read out her pleas, and Judge Sarah Whitehouse KC confirmed the case would be tried at the same court from 5 January.
The defendant appeared emotional on the video link and was wiping tears from her face throughout the hearing.
What happened in Argyll Street?
Carrington allegedly arrived in Argyll Street in her car and appeared to have a row with a male as she got out of the vehicle. The altercation escalated as more people became involved, prompting security to intervene.
Carrington allegedly got back into the car and moved off, sharply mounting the pavement and striking Zakrzewska. The vehicle then went on to strike a security guard, Anoush Chyche, who was on the pavement, it is claimed.
As the car reversed, Zakrzewska could be seen under the vehicle lying prone on the ground. Zakrzewska died later in hospital and Chyche, in his 50s, suffered "life-changing injuries".
Who are the people involved?
Carrington, who has more than 365,000 followers on Instagram under the handle RIELLEUK, made it to the X Factor live finals in 2013 as one of the three members of Miss Dynamix. She is described in court as a "social media influencer" who makes regular trips to the United Arab Emirates.
Zakrzewska, who was in her 30s, was a TikTok and Instagram influencer who went by the name Klaudiaglam. She had more than 270,000 followers on Instagram.
The incident happened on a side street near Oxford Circus.
What happens next?
The murder allegation will be heard at the Old Bailey from 5 January. Carrington remains in custody at Bronzefield prison while the case continues.
Gabrielle Carrington denies murder
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