Man charged with murder after ‘loving’ Elizabeth Line worker fatally attacked

A man has now been charged with murder and affray after a fatal attack on an Elizabeth Line worker earlier this month.

Jorge Ortega, 61, suffered significant head injuries in the attack at Ilford station shortly before 9 pm on December 4.

He was taken to hospital but later died. British Transport Police have now said suspect Ayodele Jamgbadi, 28, will be charged with murder and affray.

Jamgbadi was initially charged with grievous bodily harm, charged with grievous bodily harm, affray and possession of a prohibited offensive weapon in a private place.

The suspect, of Kingston Road, Ilford, will appear at Inner London Crown Court on January 7.

Mr Ortega’s family described him as ‘the most loving person, the kindest soul you could have the pleasure of meeting’.

His son said: ‘Everyone who has met our dad or who has ever worked with him over the years will tell you this. He had a brilliant mind, enjoyed cooking, loved drawing, and was highly skilled in art.

‘He was an amazing family man and would always put other people first. He loved his grandchildren, and in turn, they adored our dad.

”He was totally devoted to our mum and loved her beyond what words can describe. Having been together for over 38 years, he is an example of what a great man should be like and a role model that we highly look up to. We can only hope to be like him. Dad is and will always be in our hearts.’

The RMT union said Mr Ortega was one of its members and worked as a customer experience assistant for MTREL, which runs the Elizabeth Line.

General secretary Mick Lynch said: ‘We are deeply saddened by the passing of our member, who died following an attack while at work.

‘The whole union sends its condolences to their family, friends and colleagues at this awful time and everyone’s thoughts at RMT are with them.’

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