Judge Warns Social Media Users Against Contempt of Court in Murder Trial

A judge at the Old Bailey has issued a stern warning to social media users, reminding them that posting prejudicial comments about ongoing court cases can lead to imprisonment for contempt of court. Her Honour Judge Sarah Whitehouse KC specifically addressed individuals commenting on the trial of Gabrielle Carrington, a former X Factor finalist accused of murdering TikTok and Instagram personality Klaudia Zakrzewska.

"Cases are tried by juries in this jurisdiction - they are not decided by publicity on social media," Judge Whitehouse stated. "I hope that is clear to everybody." She emphasized that ignorance of contempt of court laws is not a valid excuse, and that any publication of content deemed prejudicial to the defendant or the legal proceedings could result in imprisonment.

Carrington, 29, faces charges of murder and grievous bodily harm with intent following an incident in April outside a nightclub in Soho, London. She pleaded not guilty to both charges. The alleged victim, Klaudia Zakrzewska, known as Klaudiglam, died in hospital days after being struck by a vehicle. Ms Zakrzewska, who had amassed a significant online following, had posted videos from the nightclub on the night of the incident. A second victim, Anoush Chyche, sustained life-changing injuries, and a third, Latisha Armstrong, suffered minor injuries in the same event.

During a previous hearing, it was revealed that Carrington and Zakrzewska were involved in an "ongoing dispute." Prosecutors described the incident as a "melee" where Carrington's vehicle allegedly mounted the pavement and struck the victims. At the time of the incident, Carrington allegedly had a blood alcohol level significantly over the legal limit in England.

Carrington, who appeared in court from Manchester, had previously reached the live finals of The X Factor in 2013 as part of the girl group Miss Dynamix. She has since become a social media influencer with a large following. Her trial is scheduled to begin in January.

The administrative hearing was momentarily disrupted by supporters of both the accused and the victim shouting affirmations from the public gallery, prompting repeated calls for order from Judge Whitehouse.