A man accused of stabbing his girlfriend to death and blowing up their home has denied having a 'short fuse', claiming he suffered racist abuse from her family, including her judge father naming a black fish after him, a court heard.
Details of the Case
Clifton George, 45, is on trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court for the murder of charity worker Annabel Rook, 46. He admits manslaughter and arson but denies murder, blaming the killing on a loss of self-control. The prosecution alleges George stabbed Ms Rook 22 times with a kitchen knife before starting a fire that caused a gas explosion at their home in Dumont Road, Stoke Newington, north London.
Relationship and Allegations
George told jurors he was 'madly in love' with Ms Rook when they began dating in 2010 after meeting at a house party. He claimed the relationship became strained due to racist discrimination at the Rook family home. He testified that a black fish in the garden pond was named Clifton after him, and when he raised concerns about racism, Judge Peter Rook shouted 'no, no, no' and turned away. George described a 20-second silence before he left.
He also recounted an incident where a guest at a house party called him a 'black b*****', but Ms Rook's father did nothing. George accused Ms Rook of repeatedly insulting him about childhood abuse he suffered from his mentally ill mother, including being scalded with kettle water and swung into a door. He said she would 'flip out' over minor issues and threaten to end the relationship.
Defense and Prosecution
George denied having a 'short fuse', stating he lost his temper occasionally but not often. He admitted raising his voice during arguments. The prosecution claims George harbored 'unreasonable rage' and frequently lost his temper throughout the ten-year relationship.
Ms Rook, daughter of retired Old Bailey judge Peter Rook, co-founded the social enterprise MamaSuze, supporting refugee and migrant women. George worked as an electrician on major projects including Crossrail and the Leadenhall Building. He was born in Hackney and raised in Whitechapel, suffering violent abuse as a child. He also found his infant sister dead in her cot, leading to night terrors.
Evidence Continues
George accused Ms Rook of abusing him about his childhood trauma during a holiday in Antigua, calling him 'damaged' and 'broken'. He denied pinning her by the neck but admitted pushing her out of the way during an argument. The court heard Ms Rook had asked George to move out shortly before her death. The trial continues.
