Man jailed for life for killing partner and blowing up their home

A man has been sentenced to life for murdering his partner before causing a gas explosion in their north London home.

Clifton George will serve a minimum term of 23 years after he killed Annabel Rook in the living room of their Stoke Newington house on June 16 last year.

That night, he stabbed Ms Rook 31 times before starting a fire in the basement, causing a gas explosion.

A jury found George guilty of Ms Rook’s murder at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Wednesday, 3 June.

George, an electrician who had worked on major projects such as Crossrail and the Northern Line extension, initially denied the charge and claimed he had lost control of himself when he punched, throttled and ultimately stabbed his partner.

But by the end of the trial the judge, Mr Justice Constable KC, had ruled that his defense could not be relied on thanks to ‘overwhelming’ evidence of George’s short temper and a pattern of abuse directed towards Ms Rook.

The court heard Ms Rook had tried to end her 10-year relationship with George prior to her murder and had outlined how she lived in fear of his abuse in a letter which was never sent.

Detective Chief Superintendent Brittany Clarke, who leads policing in Hackney and Tower Hamlets, said: ‘Annabel Rook was a much-loved mother, daughter, sister and friend. She was also an active and well-known member of the Stoke Newington community who dedicated her life to supporting vulnerable women.

‘Her loss has been deeply felt by many people across the local area and beyond.

‘I would like to pay tribute to the detectives and specialist officers who worked tirelessly to ensure George was jailed for this terrible crime.

‘Tackling violence against women and girls remains one of the Met’s highest priorities. My message to anyone experiencing domestic abuse is simple: please come forward. You will be listened to, you will be taken seriously, and we will do everything we can to protect and support you.

‘Nothing can undo the immense loss suffered by Annabel’s loved ones, but I hope Clifton’s sentence provides a measure of comfort for Annabel’s loved ones and demonstrates our determination to pursue those who commit these appalling crimes.’