Man found to have committed the act of fatally assaulting Elizabeth line worker - London

A man has been found to have committed the act of fatally assaulting an Elizabeth line employee in an unprovoked attack at Ilford station, following an investigation by British Transport Police (BTP). 

A Trial of Facts began at Inner London Crown Court on Monday 14 September after Ayodele Jamgbadi, 30, formerly of Kingston Road, Ilford, was deemed unfit to stand trial due to significant mental health issues. 

On Wednesday 16 September, the jury unanimously agreed that Jamgbadi had punched Jorge Ortega at Ilford station on 4 December 2024. Mr Ortega, 61, suffered a catastrophic brain injury and died in hospital two days later. 

The court heard that BTP officers were called to Ilford Elizabeth line station at around 8.50pm on Wednesday 4 December following reports of a serious assault. 

Officers attended alongside the London Ambulance Service and London's Air Ambulance. Jorge was taken to an east London hospital with serious head injuries, where he received urgent treatment. 

Detectives launched an immediate investigation, reviewing CCTV footage and carrying out extensive enquiries to identify and locate the attacker. 

Jamgbadi was arrested at the station the following morning on suspicion of Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) after patrolling officers recognised him. He was wearing the same coat seen in CCTV footage.  

Investigators established that, shortly before the attack, Jamgbadi had become agitated after apparently missing a train and began kicking a wall on Platform 3. 

Jorge was in a nearby staff room with two colleagues and went to investigate the disturbance. As they attempted to speak with Jamgbadi, he suddenly swung at Jorge, striking him with a left hook. The force of the blow caused Jorge to fall backwards and hit his head on the ground. 

Jorge was critically ill in hospital having suffered a severe brain injury and very sadly passed away in hospital on 6 December 2024 surrounded by his loving family.  

Today the court imposed a Hospital Order under Section 37 of the Mental Health Act 1983 together with a Restriction Order under Section 41. Jamgbadi will remain detained in hospital for treatment and cannot be discharged, transferred, or granted leave without the approval of the Secretary of State for Justice, or a direction of the Mental Health Tribunal. The restriction order is intended to ensure both appropriate treatment and the protection of the public.

In a statement issued today, Mr Ortega’s family described him as “a loving husband, a devoted father and a wonderful grandfather”.

They added: “He will always be loved. He will always be remembered."

The statement from Mr Ortega’s family can be read in full here.

BTP Detective Chief Inspector Paul Attwell said: "I would like to pay tribute to the dignity, strength and courage shown by Mr Ortega's family following his untimely loss. I recognise that their grief has been compounded by the length of time it has taken to reach this stage. I am grateful for the patience, support and understanding they have demonstrated throughout the investigation and the proceedings that have followed.

"Mr Ortega was a kind and hardworking man who was carrying out his duties as usual that evening, when he became the victim of a wholly unacceptable act of violence.

"Nobody should be subjected to abuse, intimidation or violence whilst travelling or working on the rail network. Protecting the public and rail staff remains a priority for the British Transport Police, and we are committed to relentlessly pursuing offenders and bringing them to justice."

Chris Fowler, Managing Director of GTS, which operates the Elizabeth line, said: “Jorge was a much loved and respected colleague, and his loss continues to be deeply felt by everyone who knew and worked alongside him. 

“Today, our thoughts are first and foremost with Jorge’s family and with his friends and colleagues. They have shown enormous strength throughout what has been an incredibly difficult and painful period. 

“Jorge lost his life simply doing his job, looking out for others and serving the people of London. We will continue to remember him for the colleague and person he was, and to support those closest to him.” 

Andy Lord, London’s Transport Commissioner, said: "Our thoughts and deepest sympathies remain with the family, friends and colleagues of Jorge Ortega, who tragically died after being assaulted while at work. Everyone should be able to go about their day without fear or intimidation and it is unimaginable that someone could lose their life due to unprovoked violence while doing their job. The safety and wellbeing of our colleagues is paramount, and we have fully supported the British Transport Police with their investigation.”