Electrician guilty of murdering partner and blowing up their London home

Clifton George, 45, has been convicted of murdering his partner, Annabel Rook, 46, after a violent argument culminated in her stabbing and a subsequent gas explosion at their home in Stoke Newington, north-east London. The jury at Snaresbrook Crown Court delivered the guilty verdict at the end of a four-week trial.

Prosecutors detailed how George punched and attempted to strangle Rook during the altercation. He then repeatedly stabbed her with a kitchen knife, inflicting at least 22 wounds, including one to the heart. William Emlyn Jones KC, prosecuting, told the court that George had "lost his temper, and in his rage … he murdered Annabel."

Annabel Rook was recognized for her work establishing safehouses for women escaping violence and co-founding MamaSuze, an organization supporting refugee women. Following the attack on Rook, George, an electrician, activated a propane gas canister, turned on all the gas rings, and started a fire in the basement. The resulting explosion caused significant damage to the property and the adjacent house.

George had admitted to manslaughter but denied murder, with his defense arguing a loss of self-control. However, the judge ruled this defense legally inapplicable. George is awaiting sentencing. He had reportedly told police he "lost it" when Rook ended their 10-year relationship.

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He lost his temper, and in his rage … he murdered Annabel.