X FACTOR FINALIST DENIES MURDERING INFLUENCER IN SOHO

Gabrielle Carrington, a former X Factor finalist, has denied murdering Klaudia Zakrzewska, a social media influencer, in central London. The incident occurred outside the Inca nightclub on Argyll Street, Soho, at 4.30am on 19 April. Ms Zakrzewska, aged 32, died from her injuries on 25 April. Carrington, aged 29 and from Broadfield Road, Manchester, was initially charged with attempted murder but the charge was upgraded to murder following Ms Zakrzewska's death.

At the Old Bailey on Monday, Carrington appeared via videolink from Bronzefield prison and represented herself at the plea hearing. She pleaded not guilty to murder and to a second charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent against security guard Anoush Chyche. Carrington told Judge Sarah Whitehouse KC that she did not wish to represent herself "for the foreseeable" but stated she was prepared to enter her plea despite lacking legal representation. She was not asked to enter a plea to a third charge of driving with excess alcohol.

Judge Whitehouse confirmed the trial would commence at the Old Bailey on 5 January. Carrington said the decision on who would represent her at trial was "the toughest decision I have to make".