(Picture: PA)
A man accused of stabbing a ‘truly wonderful’ mum to death before blowing up her house has appeared in crown court for the first time.
Annabel Rook, 46, was killed at her terrace house in Hackney, North London just before 5am on June 17.
The charity worker, 46, was sadly declared dead at the scene by paramedics.
Her two children, aged seven and nine, were not thought to be in the house at the time and are unharmed.
Clifton George, 44, appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court charged with murdering Ms Rook and arson with recklessness as to whether life would be endangered.
He was remanded in custody ahead of a plea hearing on 24 September, while his trial was set for June 1 next year.
Ms Rook’s family have said they were ‘struggling to come to terms with this terrible tragedy.
‘We have lost our beautiful daughter, sister, friend and mother.’ In the tribute released through the Met Police the family said: ‘Annabel was a truly wonderful woman. She touched the hearts of so many.
‘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.
‘We would really appreciate it if our privacy could be respected.’
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Ms Rook was a respected charity worker who had helped refugees and women fleeing domestic violence for two decades.
She co-founded the charity, MamaSuze, which supports refugee and migrant women with art and drama activities.
MamaSuze said in a statement it was ‘devastated by the loss of our beloved co-founder’.
They said: ‘Annabel was a profound force for good in the world, dedicating her working life to supporting women survivors.’
Acting Detective Chief Superintendent Brittany Clarke, who is in charge of policing for the Central East Basic Command Unit, said yesterday: ‘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.’
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