Man Found Guilty of Murder After Fatal Fire and Explosion
A man who murdered his partner before igniting a fire that led to a gas canister explosion has been found guilty of her murder.
Clifton George assaulted Annabel Rook during an argument, punching and attempting to strangle her before stabbing her 31 times. The violence occurred after Rook expressed her intention to end their decade-long relationship.
The 46-year-old victim was discovered deceased inside their residence on Dumont Road in Stoke Newington, north London, in the early hours of 17 June.
George, 45, employed as a Crossrail worker, admitted to manslaughter and arson charges but denied murder, attributing the killing to a loss of self-control. However, following a trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court, he was convicted of murder.
Pattern of Abuse and Temper Evident in Trial
By the conclusion of the trial, Mr Justice Constable KC dismissed George's defence, citing "overwhelming" evidence of his volatile temper and a history of abusive behaviour towards Rook.
The proceedings revealed that George was an aggressive and bullying partner prone to angry outbursts over minor issues.
Rook, a charity co-founder and daughter of retired Old Bailey Judge Peter Rook, had repeatedly vowed to leave her volatile partner, the court heard.
Explosion and Emergency Response
Police and firefighters responded to the couple's home shortly before 05:00 BST following an explosion described by neighbours as resembling a "mini-earthquake." The blast tore through the property, blowing off part of the roof.
George was found lying on the kitchen floor, covered in blood. He then attempted to stab himself with a shard of broken glass while Rook lay dead in the living room.
Evidence of Abuse in Voice Note
During the trial, a voice note sent by Rook to a friend in May 2025 was played to the jury. In it, she described George becoming angry because she did not clean his knives properly.
"He kept saying things to me [like] you're a liar, you're a liar, Annabel," Rook said in the voice note. She continued: "I can't not make him angry, it's always going to happen."
Verdict and Reactions
After deliberating for two and a half hours, the jury found George guilty of murder.
George nodded slightly in the dock upon hearing the verdict but showed little emotion. Meanwhile, friends of Rook broke down in tears in the public gallery.
Sentencing for George is scheduled for a later date.
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