Clifton George, 44, appears in court accused of killing Annabel Rook who dedicated her life to helping domestic violence victims – in cruel irony
A man has appeared in court charged with murdering a beloved charity boss who spent her life protecting women from violence – before meeting a violent death herself.
Clifton George, 44, spoke only to confirm his details at Thames Magistrates’ Court on Monday, charged with the murder of Annabel Rook and arson with intent to endanger life.
The 46-year-old mother-of-two was found with multiple stab wounds in the living room of a house in Dumont Road, Stoke Newington, just before 5am on Tuesday following a gas explosion.
DEVOTED HER LIFE TO VICTIMS
In a devastating irony, Ms Rook had dedicated her life to helping women fleeing domestic violence through her charity MamaSuze, which she co-founded.
The arts-based organisation helps victims of forced displacement and gender-based violence “build a more positive future” using theatre and creative workshops.
Prosecutor Cathryn Evans told the court: “Annabel Rook has been described by the charity she ran as a shining light who dedicated her life to supporting others.
She added: “She spent the last 20 years of her career bringing joy and creativity to marginalised people and she cared deeply about improving the lives of vulnerable women and children.”
‘STRUGGLING TO COME TO TERMS’
Ms Rook’s heartbroken family released an emotional tribute through police, saying they were “struggling to come to terms with this terrible tragedy.
“We have lost our beautiful daughter, sister, friend and mother. Annabel was a truly wonderful woman,” they said.
She gave her life to helping the vulnerable and the disadvantaged whether it was in refugee camps in Africa or setting up MamaSuze in London, to enhance the lives of survivors of forced displacement and gender-based violence.
The family added: “We would really appreciate it if our privacy could be respected.”
GAS EXPLOSION HORROR
Police were called at 4.57am on June 17 to reports of a gas explosion with a person trapped inside the property.
The front bay window of the house was completely blown out, with debris including plants, wooden shutters and glass scattered across the street.
Six fire engines rushed to the scene from Stoke Newington, Holloway, Islington and Homerton fire stations.
Neighbour Halil Youdjel, 29, described hearing the blast: “It was 5.50am, I was asleep and suddenly bang. At the beginning I thought someone hit the wall with a car.”
ARRESTED AT SCENE
George was arrested at the scene shortly after officers arrived and taken to hospital with slash injuries.
He was later discharged and released into police custody before being charged on Sunday with murder and arson with intent to endanger life.
Two children, aged nine and seven, were taken to hospital as a precaution but were not believed to have been inside the property at the time of the explosion.
George was remanded in custody to next appear at the Old Bailey on June 25.
‘LARGER-THAN-LIFE CHARACTER’
John Martin, artistic director of PAN Intercultural Arts where Ms Rook worked with young refugees for 16 years until 2022, paid an emotional tribute.
He described her as “a larger-than-life character” who joined the charity as a volunteer with boundless energy.
Annabel’s energy brought a lot to the women and gave them new hope,” Mr Martin told PA news agency.
“This was her speciality, I think – a sort of a boundless optimism, a boundless self-confidence, which she transferred onto other people.”
CRUEL IRONY
Fighting back tears, Mr Martin highlighted the tragic irony of her death.
“She spent her life, certainly the 10, 12 years that I knew her, fighting against women who had been abused, fighting against violence to women,” he said.
“And the irony is that she then suffered from violence to women in the way that she died yesterday.”
Police initially investigated the attack as a domestic-related incident and confirmed they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the death.
MAMASUZE CHARITY
Ms Rook co-founded MamaSuze to help refugee and migrant women, including those fleeing domestic violence, through art and drama activities.
She had previously worked in refugee camps in Africa before establishing the London-based charity.
On social media, she wrote: “I have been working with marginalised and displaced people for over 20 years.”
I believe the ability to play and create should be a fundamental human right and in my work I aim to enable people to be creative and help them find their voice.
‘AMAZING AND SO STRONG’
Women who benefited from her charity work described Ms Rook as “amazing” and “so strong” – someone who built confidence in vulnerable women.
One woman who fled an abusive relationship said the charity boss had transformed her life through the support programmes.
Since MamaSuze partnered with Hackney Migrant Centre, Ms Rook had proudly noted that “many participants returned every month” as they supported hundreds of people.
The charity said in a statement they were “devastated by the loss of our beloved co-founder.”
POLICE APPEAL
Acting Detective Chief Superintendent Brittany Clarke said: “Our thoughts continue to remain with the family and friends of Annabel as they navigate this devastating loss.
“We ask that the public refrain from speculation and respect their privacy at this time, and we thank the Hackney community for their ongoing support.”
“This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are with the victim’s family at this very difficult time.”
As the legal process continues, the community mourns a woman who dedicated her life to protecting others from the very violence that claimed her own life.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247
