Former X Factor finalist denies murder of influencer run over outside nightclub

A former X Factor finalist has denied murdering a social media influencer by ramming her with a Mercedes in central London.

Gabrielle Carrington, 29, allegedly hit Klaudia Zakrzewska outside the Inca nightclub in Argyll Street, Soho, at 4.30am on April 19.

Footage of the incident showed a woman stepping into a black car before it sped forward and struck Klaudia.

Carrington, of Broadfield Road, Manchester, was initially charged with attempted murder but this was changed after Klaudia died on April 25.

Representing herself, Carrington appeared at the Old Bailey by video link from Bronzefield prison today.

She pleaded not guilty to murder and a second charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to security guard Anoush Chyche.

Carrington told the court: ‘As I’m not represented, I am happy to give a plea today even though I am not represented.’

The singer was not asked to enter a plea to a third charge of driving with excess alcohol.

On who would represent her at her trial in January, she said: ‘This is my life. This is the toughest decision I have to make.’

A pre-trial hearing will happen on August 11 and October 9.

Carrington is accused of arriving on Argyll Street in her car and rowing with a man as she stepped outside, prompting security to intervene.

The member of the girl group Miss Dynamix allegedly got back into the car and mounted the pavement, hitting the victim and bouncer Mr Chyche.

Video showed Klaudia, a TikTok and Instagram personality, under the vehicle.

She died later in the hospital, while Mr Chyche, in his 50s, suffered ‘life-changing injuries’.

Carrington had 61 microgrammes of alcohol per 100ml of breath when she tested after the incident, according to court charges.

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