Gabrielle Precious Carrington, a former finalist on The X Factor, has requested to change her legal representation as she faces charges in connection with the death of a rival influencer. Carrington, 29, who is known online as 'Rielleuk,' is accused of running over TikTok and Instagram star Klaudia 'Klaudiaglam' Zakrzewska, 32, outside a nightclub in Soho in April.
Zakrzewska, who was Polish-born, had a significant online following of nearly 260,000 on Instagram. She died in the hospital six days after the incident. Two other pedestrians, Anoush Chyche and Latisha Armstrong, were also injured during the early morning hours of April 19. Prosecutors stated that Mr. Chyche sustained injuries described as 'life-changing'.
Carrington appeared in the witness box at the Old Bailey on Tuesday to address the court regarding her request to transfer legal aid. The application had initially been refused by Judge Simon Mayo KC but was later reviewed following a letter from Carrington's current legal team.
Judge Sarah Whitehouse expressed concern over the significant public expense associated with changing legal aid at this stage of the proceedings and sought assurance that such a request would not recur. Carrington stated her desire not to represent herself in court. Her preferred barrister, James Scobie, is reportedly unavailable for the trial.
Judge Whitehouse granted Carrington seven days to transfer her legal aid to Bark & Co, with the condition that she confirms her position in court within that timeframe. She is scheduled for further case management on August 19. Carrington, originally from Manchester, was part of the girl group Miss Dynamix, which reached the live finals of The X Factor in 2013. The group was eliminated in the third week of the competition. Carrington has pleaded not guilty to murder and causing grievous bodily harm with intent. Her trial is currently scheduled to commence on January 5.