Gabrielle Carrington, a 29-year-old former X Factor finalist and member of the girl group Miss Dynamix, has formally denied murdering social media influencer Klaudia Zakrzewska in an alleged hit-and-run outside a Soho nightclub.
Carrington entered a plea of not guilty to murder during a hearing at the Old Bailey on August 3. She also pleaded not guilty to a charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to security guard Anoush Chyche. The defendant, who is currently held at Bronzefield prison, appeared via video link and opted to speak on her own behalf without a lawyer present.
Addressing the court, Carrington said: “As I’m not represented, I am happy to give a plea today even though I am not represented.” She was not asked to enter a plea to a third charge of driving with excess alcohol, which remains outstanding. When questioned about who would represent her at trial, she replied: “This is my life. This is the toughest decision I have to make.”
Alleged incident outside Inca nightclub
The charges relate to an incident in the early hours of April 19 on Argyll Street in Soho, a central London area known for its busy nightlife. According to the allegations, Carrington arrived at the scene driving a Mercedes and became involved in a dispute with an unidentified man after stepping out of the vehicle. Security staff intervened during the argument.
Footage of the incident showed a woman getting into a black car before the vehicle accelerated and struck Klaudia. Additional video showed the influencer, who had gained a following on TikTok and Instagram, lying under the car. Emergency services were called, and Klaudia was rushed to a hospital, where she died on April 25. Mr Chyche, who is in his 50s, suffered injuries described as “life-changing” in the same incident.
Carrington was initially arrested and charged with attempted murder. Following Klaudia’s death, the charge was elevated to murder. The separate charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent relates to the injuries inflicted on Mr Chyche.
Key facts at a glance
- Incident occurred at approximately 4.30am on April 19 outside the Inca nightclub in Argyll Street, Soho.
- Klaudia Zakrzewska died on April 25, leading to an upgraded charge of murder.
- Security guard Anoush Chyche suffered life-changing injuries.
- Carrington’s breath test showed 61 microgrammes of alcohol per 100ml of breath.
- Pre-trial hearings are scheduled for August 11 and October 9.
Alcohol reading and legal proceedings
Court documents state that Carrington provided a breath sample after the incident which showed 61 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. This resulted in a charge of driving with excess alcohol, which has not yet been the subject of a plea. The legal threshold for driving in England and Wales is 35 microgrammes per 100 millilitres, meaning the reading was nearly double the limit.
At the hearing, the court scheduled pre-trial hearings for August 11 and October 9. These will address procedural issues before the full trial, which is expected to start in January. Carrington, listed as living in Broadfield Road, Manchester, was remanded in custody and will remain at Bronzefield prison until the next court appearance.
Self-representation in a murder trial
Carrington’s decision to represent herself is highly unusual for a case of this severity. In England and Wales, a defendant may choose to act as their own advocate, but murder trials involve complex evidence, legal arguments, and procedural rules. The court has not yet decided whether Carrington will continue without counsel, and the pre-trial hearings may resolve this matter. If she remains unrepresented, she will face the challenge of presenting a defence against serious charges with potentially significant consequences.
Background of the defendant and victim
Carrington first rose to prominence as a member of Miss Dynamix, a girl group created during the X Factor television competition. The group earned a place in the live shows and attracted a loyal fanbase before disbanding. In the years since, Carrington has kept a low public profile.
Klaudia Zakrzewska was an emerging social media personality known for posting lifestyle and fashion content. Her death at the age of 26 has shocked her online community, with many paying tribute to her on the platforms where she was active.
Looking ahead
The case continues to move through the justice system. The pre-trial hearings on August 11 and October 9 will set the stage for the trial, which is scheduled to begin in January. Until then, Carrington remains in custody. The outcome of the proceedings will determine whether she is convicted of murder and the other charges, and the case will be watched closely due to the unusual nature of the allegations and the individuals involved.
