A London man has been convicted of murdering his longtime partner after a jury rejected his claim that he lost control during the fatal attack.
Man Convicted of Murder
Clifton George, 45, was found guilty of murdering 46-year-old Annabel Rook following a trial in London.
George had previously admitted to manslaughter and arson but denied murder. A jury convicted him on June 3.
Fatal Attack Followed Relationship Breakdown
Prosecutors said George became enraged after Rook told him she wanted to end their relationship.
Authorities said he assaulted, strangled and stabbed Rook 31 times inside their home in June 2025.
After the attack, George allegedly started a fire in the basement, causing a gas canister to explode and severely damage the property.
Confession at the Scene
Police found George outside the home suffering from self-inflicted injuries.
According to investigators, he told officers that Rook was dead inside the house and admitted he had killed her.
Prosecutors argued that George’s actions showed clear intent, noting that he retrieved a knife and continued the attack after the initial assault.
Family Pays Tribute
Following the verdict, Rook’s father, retired judge Peter Rook, described his daughter as a devoted mother, daughter and friend who dedicated her life to helping vulnerable women and children.
Rook co-founded a charity supporting refugee and migrant women and spent many years working on projects assisting survivors of trafficking and abuse.
Her family said her legacy will continue through the lives she helped and the charitable work she inspired.
George is expected to be sentenced at a later date.
