A man accused of fatally stabbing his partner 22 times before triggering a gas explosion at their north-east London home made his appearance in court , where prosecutors said the victim suffered at least 22 knife wounds during the attack.
Clifton George, 45, is charged with the murder of Annabel Rook, 46, following the incident at the couple’s Stoke Newington home on 17 June 2025. George has admitted to manslaughter but denies murder, The Guardian reported.
Court hears details of fatal attack
Opening the case at Snaresbrook Crown Court, prosecutors alleged the attack followed an argument between the couple. The court heard George allegedly punched and attempted to strangle Rook before retrieving a kitchen knife and stabbing her multiple times.
According to prosecutors, Rook suffered at least 22 stab wounds, including injuries to the heart. George later reportedly told police he had “lost it” after believing his partner had lied to him.
An explosion damaged neighbouring homes
The court also heard that George allegedly attempted to cause an explosion by opening a propane gas canister in the basement of the property. Prosecutors said efforts to ignite the gas using electrical switches failed before a fire eventually triggered the blast.
The explosion caused significant damage to the house and neighbouring property, with witnesses describing a loud blast that shook nearby homes.
Neighbours describe chaotic aftermath
Neighbours told the court they rushed outside after hearing what sounded like a “mini-earthquake”. One witness said George was found injured inside the property before allegedly attempting to harm himself with broken glass.
Emergency services later discovered Rook’s body inside the home following the explosion.
Trial continues
Rook was a co-founder of a London-based social enterprise supporting refugee and migrant women through creative programmes.
Jurors were told they would need to determine whether George’s actions amounted to murder or manslaughter, with the prosecution rejecting his guilty plea to manslaughter.
