Man who murdered partner and blew up home jailed

A man who murdered his partner before destroying their home in a gas explosion has been jailed for life. Clifton George, 45, received a minimum sentence of 23 years for the brutal killing of Annabel Rook, 46.

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An overwhelming picture has emerged of your rage, anger, and volatility.

The attack occurred after Ms. Rook attempted to end their decade-long relationship. George subjected her to a violent assault, including punching and strangulation, before stabbing her 31 times. Her body was discovered at their shared residence in Stoke Newington, north London, on June 17, 2025.

George pleaded guilty to manslaughter and arson, contending he had lost control. However, a trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court found him guilty of murder. Evidence presented during the trial depicted George as an aggressive and controlling partner, prone to violent outbursts over minor issues.

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We know we will never be able to come to terms with her death, and life without her is painful and hard to bear.

Following the murder, George deliberately started a fire in the basement, intending to trigger a gas canister explosion. The blast significantly damaged the house, causing an estimated £400,000 in destruction. Sentencing George, Mr. Justice Constable KC noted his volatile nature, stating that an "overwhelming picture has emerged of your rage, anger, and volatility."

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Without Annabel, there is less joy and less hope.

Family members expressed their profound grief and condemnation. Ms. Rook's father, retired judge Peter Rook, called George "utterly selfish," while her mother, Susanna Rook, described him as "a wicked, totally narcissistic, damaged person." Her sister, Sophie, lamented the loss, saying, "Without Annabel, there is less joy and less hope." The family grapples with the painful question of whether they could have done more to help her escape the abusive relationship.

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utterly selfish