Clifton George Convicted of Fatal Stabbing of Partner & Stoke Newington Gas Explosion

A 45-year-old electrician who repeatedly stabbed his charity worker partner to death before triggering a catastrophic gas explosion that blew the roof off their London home has been found guilty of her murder.

Clifton George was convicted by a jury at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Wednesday following a comprehensive four-week trial detailing the fatal attack on 46-year-old Annabel Rook at their Stoke Newington property on June 17, 2025.

The court heard that George, who was described as an aggressive and bullying partner, lost his temper when Ms Rook attempted to end their 10-year relationship, proceeding to punch, throttle, and ultimately stab her at least 22 times.

Following the brutal assault, which included a fatal knife wound directly through the victim's heart, the defendant deliberately opened the valve of a propane gas canister and left all the kitchen gas rings turned on.

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Jurors were told that George then started a fire in the basement of the Dumont Road address, sparking an enormous explosion at just before 5:00 am that terrified neighbours likened to a "mini earthquake".

The resulting blast created an "almighty bang" that lifted floorboards, shifted heavy furniture, and caused devastating structural damage to both the couple's residence and the immediately adjoining property.

During the trial proceedings, George admitted to manslaughter but formally denied the charge of murder, with his legal counsel attempting to argue that the violent outburst was the result of a sudden loss of self-control.

However, Judge Constable KC instructed the jury that this specific legal defence could not be relied upon under the law, stating that the evidence overwhelmingly concluded George was "clearly ready and capable of unreasonable flash-rage anger."

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Prosecutor William Emlyn Jones KC successfully dismantled the defendant's narrative, presenting a deeply documented pattern of abuse towards Ms Rook, who had previously confided in friends that living with his angry outbursts over trivial matters was like "walking on eggshells."

Upon the delivery of the guilty verdict, George reportedly displayed little visible emotion in the dock, while friends and supporters of the victim broke down in tears in the public gallery.

In a heartbreaking tribute, Ms Rook's family highlighted the profound tragedy that a woman who co-founded the MamaSuze charity to support refugee women and dedicated her career to creating safehouses for those fleeing violence was herself killed by an abusive partner.

"She touched the hearts of so many," her family stated in the wake of the conviction, noting that she gave her entire life to helping the vulnerable and disadvantaged.

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George has been remanded into custody and will return to court to face a mandatory life sentence on June 9.