A former X Factor finalist appeared at the Old Bailey by videolink from Bronzefield prison on Monday, August 3, according to the Manchester Evening News. Gabrielle Carrington, 29, wore a low-cut black outfit and had her long black hair pulled back. The defendant was not represented by a barrister and represented herself during the plea hearing.
Carrington, of Broadfield Road, Manchester, was initially charged with attempted murder over the incident outside the Inca nightclub on Argyll Street in Soho at 4.30am on Sunday April 19. The charge was later changed to murder after influencer Klaudia Zakrzewska died from her injuries on April 25. Footage of the incident online appeared to show Ms Zakrzewska being hit by a black car after it surged forward.
Plea entered
Asked if she was happy to proceed without a lawyer, Carrington told Judge Sarah Whitehouse KC she did not want to represent herself 'for the foreseeable'. She added: “As I’m not represented, I am happy to give a plea today even though I am not represented.”
She pleaded not guilty to murder and to a second charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to security guard Anoush Chyche. She was not asked to enter a plea to a third charge of driving with excess alcohol.
Trial date set
Judge Whitehouse confirmed she would try the case at the Old Bailey from January 5. She set pre-trial hearings for August 11 and October 9.
The defendant interacted directly with the judge and prosecutor Crispin Aylett KC in court, making notes on a large pad of paper. Judge Whitehouse remanded her into custody but ordered that she be brought to the Old Bailey for her next hearing.
