Overview
- Prosecutors opened the case Wednesday at Snaresbrook Crown Court, alleging George fatally stabbed his partner and then set a propane canister fire that blew up their Stoke Newington home.
- George has pleaded guilty to manslaughter but denies murder, and the manslaughter plea has not been accepted, leaving the jury to determine intent.
- The prosecution said he tried to trigger ignition by flipping circuit breakers and leaving hob burners lit before carrying burning paper into the basement, where the leaking gas exploded.
- Rook was stabbed many times and, according to the prosecution, had been dead for hours by the time the 5am blast led to her discovery, with neighbors recalling screams before 9pm.
- Rook co-founded the women’s support group MamaSuze and is the daughter of retired Old Bailey judge Peter Rook, details that prompted juror screening for links to the charity or the justice system.