Northern Rail fare evasion

[maskerade]

My husband gets the train from a station with no ticket office or machine so he buys his ticket on the train. He has a disabled rail card so it's only about £4. Today the conductor's card machine wasn't working so he couldn't pay on the train. At the station instead of asking the Northern Rail staff waiting to check tickets if he could buy one from them he flashed them yesterday's ticket because "he was in a rush" and of course got caught. Really stupid thing to do!

His disability requires medication which really screws with his brain and if he gets really stressed he's more likely to have a fit so can anyone tell me what is likely to happen so I can try and manage the process to reduce his stress? As in, is it a series of letters then court or will they phone him?

It's Northern Rail if that makes any difference!

 

[reb0118]

the conductor's card machine wasn't working so he couldn't pay on the train.

Although no longer relevant due to your husbands subsequent actions if would be wise to check that your husband's card has off line availability as without that he will be unable to purchase on board trains with his card. Knowing this can mitigate against further problems as your husband will no doubt in future carry sufficient cash to purchase his fare.

At the station instead of asking the Northern Rail staff waiting to check tickets if he could buy one from them he flashed them yesterday's ticket because "he was in a rush" and of course got caught.

This is where, as you no doubt are aware, your husband made his error of judgment! If he had asked for the appropriate ticket then there would have been no problem. By showing an expired ticket he has compounded any offence and has shown intent to deprive the railway of its rightful fare.

Really stupid thing to do!

No argument there!

can anyone tell me what is likely to happen so I can try and manage the process to reduce his stress?

They will write to you asking for your husband's side of the story. Respond accurately, honestly, and above all concisely (i.e. no waffle). If you feel that your husband's medical situation has a bearing on the case then also submit a doctor's report to back up your claims.

As in, is it a series of letters then court or will they phone him?

Unlikely to phone. Yes letters though. Court is an option but it would be wise to await their response to your reply to their initial letter before worrying about that yet. If is to be court then you can always ask here for further advice. Cross your bridges as you come to them.

It's Northern Rail if that makes any difference!

For a first offence Northern usually offer an £80 administrative penalty plus the undiscounted fare due. By showing a previously used ticket your husband in my opinion has done enough to warrant a RoRA Section 5 offence and Northern may not be so accommodating.

That said, await their letter.

 

[maskerade]

Hi

Thanks. Will wait for the letter. He uses his card every day so i don't think that's the problem.

What is RoRA section 5?

I don't think it was anything to do with his medical condition. I just mention that to explain why I'm trying to find out what may happen.

Can't believe he's done something so stupid!

 

[DaveNewcastle]

What is RoRA section 5?

RoRA Section 5

5 Penalty for avoiding payment of fare.

(1) Every passenger by a railway shall, on request by an officer or servant of a railway company, either produce, and if so requested deliver up, a ticket showing that his fare is paid, or pay his fare from the place whence he started, or give the officer or servant his name and address; and in case of default shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 2 on the standard scale.

(2) . . .

(3) If any person—

(a) Travels or attempts to travel on a railway without having previously paid his fare, and with intent to avoid payment thereof; or
(b) . . . . ; or
(c) Having failed to pay his fare, gives in reply to a request by an officer of a railway company a false name or address, he shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale, or, in the case of a second or subsequent offence, either to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale, or in the discretion of the court to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months.​

The "intent to avoid payment" could be construed by presenting a (knowingly) historic ticket.

 

[maskerade]

Thank you for your help. I'll let you know what happens!

 

[pne]

What is RoRA

I believe that's the "Regulation of Railways Act 1889".