Clothes and fashion play a big role in Ms. Savage's personal and professional life: She originally dressed "Gossip Girl" star Blake Lively in her own clothes (notably a cashmere overcoat and book bag) to make her look more "New York" for an early screen test.

WSJ: A Gossip Girl's Main Stage

"A disabled model, by definition, will be more memorable in a photo than an able-bodied girl, thus making her attractive to a commercial person trying to sell clothes in an advert, or in editorial, " says O'Riordan.

BBC: Disabled models

Later, Sergeant Carolyn Crooks revealed to the Old Bailey that she had bought clothes and two mobile phones for the girl - but denied that they were inducements in return for evidence.

BBC: Call for rethink on witness rewards