Project Chintan

X Factor Finalist Accused of Murder Seeks New Lawyers

An X Factor finalist facing a murder charge in London has requested to change her legal representation. The accused, Gabrielle Precious Carrington, allegedly ran over and killed a rival influencer in April.

· 1 min read
Updated

Key takeaways

  • Gabrielle Precious Carrington, an X Factor finalist, is accused of murdering influencer Klaudia Zakrzewska.
  • Carrington requested to change her legal representation during a court hearing.
  • The alleged incident, described as road rage, resulted in Zakrzewska's death and injuries to two others.
  • Carrington has pleaded not guilty to murder and other charges, with her trial set for January 5.

Gabrielle Precious Carrington, a former finalist on X Factor, has asked a court for permission to change her lawyers as she faces charges of murder and grievous bodily harm with intent. The 29-year-old, known online as 'Rielleuk', is accused of fatally running over TikTok and Instagram star Klaudia 'Klaudiaglam' Zakrzewska, 32, in Soho in April.

Zakrzewska, a Polish-born influencer with nearly 260,000 Instagram followers, died in hospital six days after the incident. Two other individuals, Anoush Chyche and Latisha Armstrong, were also injured. Prosecutors described Mr Chyche's injuries as 'life-changing'.

During a hearing at the Old Bailey, Carrington stated her desire to change legal aid representation. Judge Sarah Whitehouse expressed concerns about the significant public expense involved in such a transfer at this stage of proceedings, seeking assurance that it would not recur. Carrington indicated she did not wish to represent herself, with the judge acknowledging this sentiment.

Carrington's preferred barrister, James Scobie, is unavailable for the upcoming trial. The judge granted Carrington seven days to secure new legal aid with Bark & Co, requiring her to confirm her situation in court within that timeframe. Her next appearance is scheduled for August 19 for further case management.

Carrington, originally from Manchester, gained fame as a member of the girl group Miss Dynamix, which reached the X Factor live finals in 2013. The group was eliminated in the third week of the competition. Carrington has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Her trial is scheduled to commence on January 5.

Sources reviewed

Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.

Related stories