Man sentenced for murdering his partner at home in Stoke Newington

A man who killed his partner in a violent attack after subjecting her to years of emotional abuse has been jailed for life.

On Tuesday, 9 June, Clifton George, 44 (13.03.81), of Dumont Road, Hackney was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 23 years, at Snaresbrook Crown Court. A jury at the same court found George guilty of murder on Wednesday, 3 June.

Annabel Rook, aged 46, was tragically killed after being stabbed multiple times by George. He then attempted to set the family home in Stoke Newington alight by triggering a gas explosion.

Shortly after police attended the scene, George made the admission that he had killed Annabel. In the ensuing investigation, detectives were able to uncover the abuse she had endured by identifying and personal notes on her mobile phone, alongside hundreds of messages and voice notes. This work identified a recent decline in the relationship, alongside a deterioration in George’s abuse.

The Met and Annabel’s family are using this tragedy to highlight the issue of domestic abuse, and urging victim-survivors, or anyone who believes a loved one is experiencing such abuse, to come forward and report it to police. Doing so could save a life.

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.”

Peter Rook, Annabel's father, added: "Annabel was a truly wonderful woman. One of the world's life enhancers. Above all else, she was a much loved mother devoted to her two fine sons. She was also a superb daughter, sister, and for so many, a close friend. Ironically, she was at the height of her powers in her tireless work to help vulnerable women. She had so much more to give.

"At least now there has been justice. But nothing will bring her back. We can be sure that her spirit will continue to inspire so many. During the trial, it has been almost unbearable hearing the years she herself suffered abuse and then the nature of the horrendous attack.

"It is so important that good men and women who encounter misogyny and, in particular, men who are violent or controlling towards their partners, should have the courage to call them out. There are ways it can be done with sensitivity. They should do it, even if they risk being ostracised by their peers.

"It is also critical that is widely known that the most dangerous time for a victim in an abusive relationship is when she tries to leave. It was clear on the evidence that until the very end, Annabel was incredibly courageous, trying to help others rather than safeguarding herself.

"She dedicated her life to helping others. She worked in refugee camps and schools. She co-founded MamaSuze to provide creativity and support for refugee women. She lived 46 altruistic years in which she gave so much to so many. We know that it would have been Annabel’s wish that her life should not be defined by her tragic death, but by the rich legacy of love and support for the vulnerable."

The investigation

On Tuesday, 17 June 2025 at 04:57hrs police were called to reports of a gas explosion with a person trapped inside an address.

Officers attended alongside the London Ambulance Service and the London Fire Brigade.

The gas explosion had caused significant damage to the house, meaning the property was initially inaccessible. George was found in the back garden, bleeding heavily from his neck and arms while attempting to stab himself.

Confronted with an alarming scene, a responding officer demonstrated initiative and composure, remaining by George’s side and maintaining a back-and-forth conversation as paramedics treated him. Through their calm and reassuring manner, they built enough trust for George to disclose key information about what had happened.

He stated that Annabel was inside the property, but that she had died. When asked how he knew she had died, he replied “because I killed her”. After this admission, George was arrested on suspicion of murder and taken to hospital.

An earlier argument between the pair had escalated into a brutal attack. George had repeatedly punched Annabel and attempted to strangle her. She was subsequently stabbed 22 times.

In the frenzied aftermath, he started a fire and set off a gas cannister, triggering an explosion that ripped through their home and woke up neighbours along the street.

As the investigation progressed, officers were able to piece together the events leading up to the terrible attack, developing a clear understanding of George’s abusive behaviour and its impact on Annabel.

Detectives identified and examined a large amount of digital evidence, particularly Annabel’s notes stored on her phone and laptop, that served as a private outlet for her thoughts.

Taken together, these materials painted a vivid picture of George’s temperament, the way he treated Annabel, and the emotional effect this had on her. Serving as compelling evidence, they also revealed that her recent attempts to end the relationship had triggered a significant intensification of George’s abuse.

George was also convicted of arson with intent to danger life. He was charged with both offences on Sunday, 22 June 2025 after being arrested 6 days before.