Clifton George has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 23 years after a jury found him guilty of murdering his partner, Annabel Rook, and starting a fire that caused a gas explosion at their north London home. Rook, 46, was stabbed 31 times after telling George she wanted to end their ten-year relationship; the subsequent explosion caused about £400,000 of damage. Witnesses described George as volatile and controlling, and family members gave emotional impact evidence at sentencing.
Man Jailed for Life After Murdering Partner and Triggering Gas Explosion
Annabel Rook was killed by her partner after she tried to end their 10-year relationship [Family handout]
Clifton George has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 23 years after a jury at Snaresbrook Crown Court convicted him of murdering his partner, Annabel Rook, and starting a fire that caused a gas explosion at their home in Stoke Newington.
What Happened
Prosecutors say the 45-year-old George assaulted 46-year-old mother-of-two Annabel Rook — punching her, attempting to strangle her and then stabbing her 31 times — after she told him she wanted to end their ten-year relationship. Rook was found dead at the couple's home on Dumont Road in the early hours of 17 June 2025.
Clifton George was an aggressive, abusive partner, his trial heard [Metropolitan Police]
Following the killing, prosecutors say George started a fire in the basement intending to trigger a gas canister explosion; the blast ripped through the house and caused around £400,000 of damage. Neighbours who went to investigate found George lying on the kitchen floor covered in blood. He later told police he had "lost it" and had tried to stab himself with a shard of glass.
Court Evidence
George pleaded guilty before trial to manslaughter and to arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered, but he denied murder, claiming he had "lost control." The jury unanimously convicted him of murder.
George started a fire in the basement, causing a gas canister explosion which ripped through the house [PA]
Witnesses described a pattern of controlling and volatile behaviour. Friends and family gave evidence that George could be outwardly charming but was prone to angry outbursts, gaslighting and fat-shaming. Incidents cited at trial included a drunken outburst at Glastonbury Festival in 2024 and a violent reaction over how washing-up had been done. A voice note played in court captured Rook saying she feared "some more wrath to come."
Sentencing and Reaction
"An overwhelming picture has emerged of your rage, anger and volatility," said Mr Justice Constable KC, noting George's "pronounced temper" and capacity to be provoked by trivial matters and perceived slights.
Rook's family paid emotional tribute in court. Her father, retired Old Bailey judge Peter Rook, called George "utterly selfish," while her mother Susanna described him as "a wicked, totally narcissistic, damaged person." In a victim impact statement Susanna remembered Annabel as "optimistic, inclusive and full of fun," and said the family would never come to terms with her death.
The prosecution suggested the explosion was an attempt to destroy evidence of the killing. The court also heard that George had experienced violent abuse as a child and had been taken into care. His barrister acknowledged the gravity of the offence, saying: "He understands this is a terrible thing he has done."
Aftermath
George will serve a minimum of 23 years before being eligible to apply for parole. The case highlights issues around intimate partner violence, coercive behaviour and the warning signs described by those close to victims.
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