Tributes paid to ‘cross gender’ King’s Cross train death victim

Father-of-of-three was respected laywer

THE family of a cross gender lawyer who died after falling in front of a train have paid tribute to the father-of-three.

David Burgess, of Shaftesbury Avenue, Westminster, was killed after being struck by the Piccadilly Line train inn King’s Cross on Monday evening.

The 63-year-old, who has two grown up daughters and a son, was also known as Sonia to her family, friends and work colleagues.

In a statement, her family have paid tribute to her saying she will be deeply missed.

They said: “Sonia (David) was a loving and wonderful person and will be missed deeply.

“We would appreciate being given space to come to terms with our loss.”

Sonia’s colleagues at the Luqmani Thompson and Partners in Wood Green, north London, where he worked as a solicitor under his birth name of David Burgess, said: “We are immensely saddened by the death of David Burgess, an enormously talented practitioner, an inspiration to a generation of lawyers practising in this field, and a great friend.

“David’s contribution to legal development is unquestionable but what is sometimes forgotten is that he was a pioneer in setting legal tests and trends in genuinely trailblazing cases.

“This firm has tried hard to live up to the high standards set by David, we would not have been the same firm without his contribution and encouragement; we shall not be the same firm without him.”

Investigating officer, Detective Superintendent Ashley Croft, from British Transport Police, said:

“We would like to express our condolences to Sonia’s (David’s) family following this tragedy.

“Family liaison officers are working closely with Sonia’s family, providing them support and assistance during this difficult time.”

Nina Kanagasingham, of Chichele Rd, Cricklewood, appeared before City of Westminster Magistrates’’ Court charged with Sonia’s murder.

She was remanded in custody to appear before The Old Bailey on November 1.