Clifton George was convicted on June 3 of murdering his partner, Annabel Rook, after stabbing her 31 times and igniting a gas canister that exploded in their Stoke Newington home on June 16, 2025. Prosecutors presented evidence that Rook had repeatedly documented abuse and that George returned to continue the attack, satisfying the intent required for murder. Rook, daughter of retired judge Peter Rook, co-founded the charity MamaSuze to support refugee and migrant women. Sentencing is pending.
Electrician Convicted Of Murder After Stabbing Judge’s Daughter 31 Times And Causing Home Explosion
Annabel Rook; her home in London, England, after a gas explosionCredit: Metropolitan Police; Yui Mok/PA Images via Getty
Clifton George, 45, has been found guilty of murdering his long-term partner, Annabel Rook, after a violent attack that left her dead and their London home severely damaged by an explosion, prosecutors said.
The Crown Prosecution Service announced on June 3 that George, an electrician from London, was convicted in connection with the death of 46-year-old Rook. The fatal incident occurred on the night of June 16, 2025, at their home in Stoke Newington.
Prosecutors said the assault began after Rook told George she wanted to end their relationship. The attack escalated into repeated blows and an attempted strangling before George stabbed Rook 31 times. After leaving her on the kitchen floor, George is accused of starting a fire in the basement and igniting a gas canister, producing an explosion that severely damaged the house and forced first responders to delay entering the property.
Police found George bleeding in the garden, reportedly attempting to stab himself. While being treated in hospital, he told officers that Rook was inside the house and confirmed, when asked how he knew, that "because I killed her," according to police statements. He had earlier entered guilty pleas to manslaughter and arson but denied murder at trial.
Annabel Rook; Clifton GeorgeCredit: Metropolitan Police (2)
Evidence and Verdict
Prosecutors presented evidence that Rook had documented a history of abusive incidents in notes and letters she kept, and described living with George as like "walking on eggshells." The prosecution argued that after an initial assault, George retrieved a knife and returned to continue the attack, demonstrating the intent necessary for a murder conviction. A jury deliberated for about two and a half hours before returning a guilty verdict.
Catherine Gould, Crown Prosecution Service: "Clifton George sought to minimise his actions by claiming he had lost control. The evidence showed he returned to continue the attack, and the prosecution proved the necessary intent for murder."
Victim's Work and Aftermath
Rook, the daughter of retired judge Peter Rook, was widely praised for her humanitarian work. In 2021 she co-founded the charity MamaSuze, which supports refugee and migrant women; her career included two decades in arts for social change, projects for survivors of trafficking and work in refugee camps and safe houses across Africa.
A GoFundMe set up to support MamaSuze described Rook as "a shining light who dedicated her life to supporting others." Friends and family continue to mourn her loss as George awaits sentencing at a later date. George's lawyer was not immediately available for comment.
If you are experiencing domestic violence: Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org. Calls are free and confidential; the service operates 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
Help us improve.
