A former judge and father of murdered charity worker Annabel Rook said she should be remembered for her “rich legacy of love and support for the vulnerable”, after her abusive partner was found guilty of stabbing her to death.
Murdered charity worker Annabel Rook should be remembered for her “rich legacy of love and support for the vulnerable”, after her abusive partner was found guilty of stabbing her to death.
Peter Rook, a retired Old Bailey judge, was in the public gallery at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Wednesday as Clifton George was found guilty by a jury of murder.
Ms Rook, 46, had wanted to leave George, her partner of 10 years, after suffering emotional and verbal abuse at his hands, while heartbreaking notes she penned for herself as well as evidence from her friends set out how she was suffering in the abusive relationship.
In a statement after the verdict, Judge Rook paid tribute to his daughter, the co-founder of the charity MamaSuze, which she ran to help refugee and migrant women, some who had fled domestic violence, through art and drama activities.
“Annabel was a truly wonderful woman”, he said.
“One of the world’s life enhancers. Above all else, she was a much-loved mother devoted to her two fine sons.
“She was also a superb daughter, sister and, for so many, a close friend.
“Ironically, she was at the height of her powers in her tireless work to help vulnerable women.
“She had so much more to give. At least now there’s been justice. But nothing will bring her back.
“We can be sure that her spirit will continue to inspire so many.”
Ms Rook was stabbed to death at her home in Stoke Newington by George, after he flew into a rage during an on the evening of June 16 last year.
George, who had been drinking red wine, punched and throttled his partner, before arming himself with a kitchen knife and stabbing her 31 times.
In the aftermath of the stabbing, George went on to blow up the house with a gas explosion.
Jurors heard evidence directly from Ms Rook herself, in voice notes she had left spelling out the nature of the abusive relationship.
They also heard from her family and friends about George’s short temper and tendency to fly into a rage at trivial things.
In his statement, Judge Rook, who gave evidence in the trial and sat through much of the evidence, said: “During the trial, it has been almost unbearable hearing the years she herself suffered abuse and then the nature of the horrendous attack.
“It was clear on the evidence that until the very end, she was incredibly courageous, trying to help others rather than safeguarding herself.
“She dedicated her life to helping others. She worked in refugee camps and schools. She co-founded MamaSuze to provide creativity and support for refugee women.
“She lived 46 altruistic years in which she gave so much to so many. We know that it would have been Annabel’s wish that her life should not be defined by her tragic death, but by the rich legacy of love and support for the vulnerable.”
George had mounted a defence of loss of self control but it was withdrawn by the judge, Mr Justice Constable KC, after he heard the evidence in the trial. Even then, George did not plead guilty to murder.
Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke, who led the murder investigation, said: “Annabel was a cherished daughter, mother, sister and friend.
“She was also a highly respected charity worker who co-founded an organisation dedicated to supporting vulnerable women fleeing domestic and sexual abuse.
“Through art and drama, she helped them rebuild their confidence and reclaim their independence.
“It is a particularly tragic and poignant reality that Annabel fell victim to the very kind of violence she had so passionately sought to challenge.
“She should have been safe in her own home and protected by the person who claimed to love her.
“Our detectives worked relentlessly throughout the investigation, analysing digital evidence including Annabel’s personal notes, alongside hundreds of messages and voice notes.
“This work uncovered the abuse she had endured, as well as a deterioration in George’s behaviour.
“Annabel will not be defined by her tragic death or by George’s terrible actions.
“I would like to commend her family, some of whom gave evidence during the trial, for their immense bravery and strength. I hope today’s conviction will bring them a measure of comfort as they continue to grieve her loss.”
George has been remanded in custody until sentencing on June 9, when he will face a life sentence.
