A jury is to hear the case against a man accused of murdering a judge's daughter, who was found dead after a gas explosion at her home.
Details of the Case
Clifton George, 45, is accused of stabbing to death his partner, 46-year-old Annabel Rook, at their home in Dumont Road, Stoke Newington, North East London, on June 17 2025. Ms Rook, the daughter of retired Old Bailey judge Peter Rook, was the co-founder of a London-based social enterprise called MamaSuze, which supports refugee and migrant women with art and drama activities and workshops.
Court Proceedings
At Snaresbrook Crown Court on Tuesday, a jury was sworn in to hear the trial of George, who is accused of murder. George, wearing a grey suit, white shirt, blue tie and spectacles, stood with his hands clasped in front of him in the dock as the jury was selected and sworn in. Prosecutor William Emlyn Jones KC is expected to open the case against George on Wednesday morning.
Judge's Statement
Mr Justice Constable said: "This is a case concerning a violent incident at an address in Dumont Road, Stoke Newington, Hackney, on June 17 2025, during which a woman named Annabel Rook was killed." Mr Emlyn Jones read to the jury a list of trial witnesses and people connected to the case, identifying Ms Rook's father as Judge Peter Rook, who is "a retired crown court judge".
Jury Selection
Before being selected for the six-week trial, potential jurors were asked to declare if they are associated with MamaSuze, or had close connections with the police, the legal establishment or the wider criminal justice system.
Gas Explosion Incident
On June 17 last year, Metropolitan Police officers were called out just before 5am to reports of a gas explosion at the property in Stoke Newington. The front bay window of the property was completely blown out, with debris including plants, wooden shutters and glass scattered across the street. George, who lived at the address, denies the charge of murder.
