Man accused of murdering Elizabeth line worker at London station appears in court

A man today appeared in court charged with the murder of an Elizabeth line worker. 

Jorge Ortega, 61, suffered fatal head injuries in an attack at Ilford station on December 4. 

He was taken to hospital but later died following the incident which happened at around 9pm. 

Ayodole Jamgbadi, 28, from Ilford, appeared in custody at Inner London Crown Court via a video link from Pentonville Prison on Tuesday charged with murder and affray. 

Wearing a prison issue grey tracksuit spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth. 

Her Honour Judge Usha Karu adjourned the case for a preliminary hearing 24 February. 

A provisional trial date has been set for 20 July. 

She told the  accused: ‘Mr Jamgbadi your trial has been fixed to a date in July. There will be another hearing on February 24… you will remain in custody.’

Mr Ortega’s family previously 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.’