A former X Factor finalist has denied murdering a social media influencer by running her over with a car in central London.

Gabrielle Carrington of Manchester, allegedly struck Klaudia Zakrzewska outside Inca nightclub in Argyll Street, Soho, at 04:30 BST on 19 April.

The 29-year-old appeared at the Old Bailey by video link from Bronzefield prison to deny the charge. She had been initially charged with attempted murder but that was changed to murder after Zakrzewska died from her injuries six days later.

Carrington, who was not represented in court by a barrister, also denied a second charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to security guard Anoush Chyche.

The defendant was not asked to enter a plea to a third charge of driving with excess alcohol.

Family members of the victims shook their heads as the accused read out her pleas.

Judge Sarah Whitehouse KC confirmed the trial would be held at the same court from 5 January.

Carrington appeared emotional on the video link, wiping tears from her face throughout the hearing and was placed into custody afterwards.

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