Clifton George, 45, is accused of murdering his partner Annabel Rook during an argument at their home in Stoke Newington on June 17, 2025. According to multiple reports, George has pleaded guilty to manslaughter but denies the more serious charge of murder.
Key Takeaways
Clifton George, 45, is accused of murdering his partner Annabel Rook in their London home on June 17, 2025. He pleaded guilty to manslaughter but denies murder.
- Clifton George allegedly stabbed Annabel Rook at least 22 times during an argument
- George attempted to blow up the house using a propane gas canister and started a fire in the basement
- The explosion caused significant damage to the property and neighboring houses
- Neighbors reported hearing a 'massive boom' resembling a mini-earthquake
The court heard that the stabbing occurred during a heated argument between the couple. Prosecutor William Emlyn Jones KC detailed the events, stating that George punched Rook, attempted to strangle her, and then stabbed her to death with a knife from the kitchen. Rook was reportedly stabbed at least 22 times, including through the heart.
Following the stabbing, George allegedly tried to blow up their home by opening a propane gas canister in the basement. According to The Guardian and BBC, he attempted to ignite the gas using electrical switches and the kitchen hob but failed. Eventually, he started a fire in the basement that caused the gas to explode, lifting floorboards, shifting furniture, and causing significant damage to both his property and the neighboring house.
Neighbors Rhys Sullivan and Harriet Cosby recalled hearing a 'massive boom' which felt like a mini-earthquake. They found George lying on the kitchen floor covered in blood and broken glass, with the roof of the kitchen extension blown off. The Daily Mail reported that neighbors shouted for George to get out but watched in horror as he started stabbing himself in the neck.
Rook was a co-founder of MamaSuze, a London-based social enterprise supporting refugee and migrant women through art and drama activities. She was also the daughter of retired Old Bailey judge Peter Rook. The trial continues with jurors needing to determine the reason for the fatal stabbing and assess the couple's relationship.
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