Man detained for Elizabeth Line staff punch attack

A man has been detained in hospital indefinitely after he punched an Elizabeth Line railway worker who fell, hit his head and died two days later.

Jorge Ortega, 61, hit his head on the concrete platform at Ilford station, east London, and died of a severe traumatic brain injury on 6 December 2024.

Ayodele Jamgbadi, 30, of Kingston Road, Ilford, was charged with murder but was deemed unfit to stand trial due to significant mental health issues. On Wednesday, a jury sitting as part of a trial of issue unanimously agreed that Jamgbadi carried out the act that led to Ortega's death.

Ortega's family said in a statement that "he was a loving husband, a devoted father and a wonderful grandfather".

British Transport Police (BTP) said Jamgbadi was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm after he returned to Ilford station the day after the attack and patrolling officers recognised him wearing the same coat.

The charge was upgraded to murder following Ortega's death in hospital.

On Wednesday, Jamgbadi was handed a strict hospital order with restrictions to ensuring he received appropriate treatment and to protect the public.

Under the order, he is 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.

In a statement, Ortega's family said they wanted the grandfather-of-five to be remembered "for the life he lived, not for the way he was taken".

"He was hardworking, kind, generous, caring, funny, wise and incredibly talented," they said.

"We are deeply grateful to everyone who has stood beside our family during what has been the darkest period of our lives.

"Nothing can bring Jorge back to us, and we will always carry the pain of his absence. But we will also carry his memory, his love and everything he gave to us.

"His legacy lives on in his family, in the lives he touched, in the artwork he created and in the memories we will continue to share."

Chris Fowler, managing director of GTS, which operates the Elizabeth line, described Ortega as a "much loved and respected colleague".

"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," he said.

Andy Lord, London's Transport Commissioner, called Ortega's death a "tragedy", adding: "Everyone should be able to go about their day without fear or intimidation."

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