Fare evasion

[Princeowusu]

Hello.

So basically I jumped on the train from Cambridge going to kings cross without a ticket and was met with an inspector, I thought at the time booking a train ticket on the train whilst the inspector was there but at a different time (on the same line and duration of the journey ) will suffice obviously the inspector scanned it and said it’s not valid as I booked it now she then said that I’ll need to pay a fine now or pay later I wasn’t going to lie I was pretty scared when I said later when she asked for Amy personal details which I then gave her fake ones (yes I know I was being stupid).

I then realised very quickly I was in a deep situation doing that and gave her my real personal details thinking I’ll get a letter home and pay a fine and then she gave me the piece of paper and that was it obviously I didn’t understand what it meant then I read it and saw “GTREMG” which I searched up and realised I may be going court this is not what I wanted at all as I didn’t know it would lead to something like this I’m not a criminal nor do I want to be one. I did give her the correct details afterward as I was really scared I’m only a first year university student and I’ve been seeing on forums if I can pay a settlement fee to the Thames link prosecution team wil this be possible if so how can I go about it?

I wasn’t rude to the inspector in any way I just lied to be honest I don’t have a criminal, record or anything as I ain’t a bad person

 

[Hadders]

Welcome to the forum!

It is a criminal offence to board a train without a valid ticket (there are a few exceptions but they are highly unlikely to apply in your case). Is there a reason why you didn't purchase a ticket before getting on the train? What you have tried to do is what is known as 'pay only when challenged'. How did you manage to get through the barriers at Cambridge without a ticket?

Here's the advice I normally give to people who come here seeking advice in similar circumstances to you.

You will receive a letter from the train company, or an investigation company acting on their behalf. The letter will say that they have received a report, are considering prosecuting you and asking for your version of events. It is important that you engage with and reply to this letter. You might want to include the following in your reply:

- That you are sorry for what has happened
- What you have learned from the incident
- That you are keen to settle the matter without the need for court action
- Offer to pay the outstanding fare and the train company's administrative costs in dealing with the matter

Make sure your reply is short and concise, don't give a sob story - they've heard it all before. Most train companies are usually prepared to offer an administrative settlement (commonly known as an out of court settlement) for people who engage with the process and who haven't come to their attention before. There is no guarantee of this and the train company would be well within their rights to prosecute you in the magistrates court.

If you are offered a settlement the amount varies depending on the train company and circumstances but tend to be a few hundred pounds plus the outstanding fare. An out of court settlement might appear to be a fine, but it isn't and you won't have a criminal record as a result of accepting one.

Feel free to post a copy of the letter once it arrives (with personal detais redacted) along with your draft reply in this thread I'm sure forum members will be happy to proof read it for you.

 

[Princeowusu]

Welcome to the forum!

It is a criminal offence to board a train without a valid ticket (there are a few exceptions but they are highly unlikely to apply in your case). Is there a reason why you didn't purchase a ticket before getting on the train? What you have tried to do is what is known as 'pay only when challenged'. How did you manage to get through the barriers at Cambridge without a ticket?

Here's the advice I normally give to people who come here seeking advice in similar circumstances to you.

You will receive a letter from the train company, or an investigation company acting on their behalf. The letter will say that they have received a report, are considering prosecuting you and asking for your version of events. It is important that you engage with and reply to this letter. You might want to include the following in your reply:

- That you are sorry for what has happened
- What you have learned from the incident
- That you are keen to settle the matter without the need for court action
- Offer to pay the outstanding fare and the train company's administrative costs in dealing with the matter

Make sure your reply is short and concise, don't give a sob story - they've heard it all before. Most train companies are usually prepared to offer an administrative settlement (commonly known as an out of court settlement) for people who engage with the process and who haven't come to their attention before. There is no guarantee of this and the train company would be well within their rights to prosecute you in the magistrates court.

If you are offered a settlement the amount varies depending on the train company and circumstances but tend to be a few hundred pounds plus the outstanding fare. An out of court settlement might appear to be a fine, but it isn't and you won't have a criminal record as a result of accepting one.

Feel free to post a copy of the letter once it arrives (with personal detais redacted) along with your draft reply in this thread I'm sure forum members will be happy to proof read it for you.

Here is what I’ve drafted so far

Dear Sir/Madam

I give you my sincere apologies of I stupid I was on jumping on the train without a ticket on the 10th of July 2022. This was on the train from Cambridge to London Kings cross in which I was met by the train inspector. I was then asked to provide a ticket in which I tried to book it whilst she was waiting thinking that the ticket would still be valid as it was the same journey but a later departure time (49 mins which the train I was on was the same duration). She then asked me to pay a penalty fare now on the train or pay later. Thinking that I may be able to pay later, I took the latter option but provided her with false information as I was scared. I then realised I put myself in a severe situation in which I regretted and gave her my home address and correct personal details with the ticket I booked as she asked as I didn’t want any more problems. I originally thought I would just get a letter sent home and pay a higher fee later and that’s it! Initially I didn’t read the piece of paper she got me till she left after reading it and that I didn’t know what “GTREMG” meant at that time till I searched it on the web as I have never in a situation like this, (For the date of birth, I emailed the correct one later with the reference number of the paper she gave me after this incident when I got home) I regretted my decision of lying to her in the first place. Naturally I wasn’t aggressive towards her or made her feel uncomfortable in any way and I complied with her the whole time even when I gave her the wrong details initially. I don’t want to be prosecuted for something small as a train ticket as I’m not a criminal nor do I want to be one. I really regret making the foolish decision of lying to her in the first place and it won’t happen again. This is my first and will be my last. I’m only 20 and a first-year university student with underlying health conditions who has just started facing adult life properly. I sincerely apologise for wasting your team's time and resources processing this case and would be more than happy to pay a fee as a vow to not let my stupidity and my scaredness get the best of me again. I have learned from this incident greatly and I’ve come clean in this statement. I don’t want this case to escalate further as I have a clean record and i don’t want to ruin my name or reputation for something this stupid, please consider my negotiation and have a lovely day.



Here is my reference number on the ticket:

Here's the officer's badge number:



Yours truly,

 

[Huntergreed]

So basically I jumped on the train from Cambridge going to kings cross without a ticket and was met with an inspector, I thought at the time booking a train ticket on the train whilst the inspector was there but at a different time (on the same line and duration of the journey ) will suffice obviously the inspector scanned it and said it’s not valid as I booked it now she then said that I’ll need to pay a fine now or pay later I wasn’t going to lie I was pretty scared when I said later when she asked for Amy personal details which I then gave her fake ones (yes I know I was being stupid).

Welcome to RailUK forums,

Firstly (just for future reference), it is a criminal offence to board any train without a valid ticket. If you are unable to present one when asked, you run the risk of facing prosecution, so I would advise you to keep this in mind in future - it'll save a lot of stress!

It feels like quite a few details are missing here - Cambridge is a gated station so you cannot access the platforms without a ticket. I am curious to understand how you were able to avoid this.

Exactly what ticket did you buy onboard? A flexible ticket, regardless of when you purchased it, would show as valid when scanned by a revenue inspector and shouldn't be rejected. An advance ticket is restricted to one train only, so if you bought this then the inspector was correct and the ticket was not valid.

TOC's cannot issue 'fines', they can issue penalty fares (£20 or twice the single to the station you are travelling to, whichever is greater), or they can pass on your information to seek a potential prosecution.

I then realised very quickly I was in a deep situation doing that and gave her my real personal details thinking I’ll get a letter home and pay a fine and then she gave me the piece of paper and that was it obviously I didn’t understand what it meant then I read it and saw “GTREMG” which I searched up and realised I may be going court this is not what I wanted at all as I didn’t know it would lead to something like this I’m not a criminal nor do I want to be one. I did give her the correct details afterward as I was really scared I’m only a first year university student and I’ve been seeing on forums if I can pay a settlement fee to the Thames link prosecution team wil this be possible if so how can I go about it?

Can you upload a copy of the piece of paper you recieved (with all personal details obscured/removed) so we are better able to establish exactly what has happened and offer the best advice we can.

I wasn’t rude to the inspector in any way I just lied to be honest I don’t have a criminal, record or anything as I ain’t a bad person

It's generally best to remain civil with the inspector, however not to divulge any information which could incriminate you or lead to them conducting a further investigation. What did you discuss with the inspector?

There are many experts on here (I am about as far from an expert as you can get!) who will be happy to assist, however without more details we simply cannot offer you much in the way of appropriate advice at present I'm afraid.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 11 Jul 2022 ==

The ticket was bought on the Trainline app when I was on the train it said “Anytime single” and by my knowledge it meant I can take any direct train from Cambridge to kings cross (which was the train I took but just at an earlier time) obviously I was being stupid and booked it when she asked for the ticket

The order is important here:

Were you asked to produce a ticket THEN you bought it, or did you see the inspector coming, buy the ticket, then present it when requested?

Your ticket is a weekend only super off peak single with no time restrictions, so it technically IS valid on the train you used.

If, however, you bought it after being asked to produce a valid ticket, then the offence was already committed as fare evasion is a strict liability offence (ie, if you cannot produce a valid ticket when askedl, you are guilty)

 

[Princeowusu]

Welcome to RailUK forums,

Firstly (just for future reference), it is a criminal offence to board any train without a valid ticket. If you are unable to present one when asked, you run the risk of facing prosecution, so I would advise you to keep this in mind in future - it'll save a lot of stress!

It feels like quite a few details are missing here - Cambridge is a gated station so you cannot access the platforms without a ticket. I am curious to understand how you were able to avoid this.

Exactly what ticket did you buy onboard? A flexible ticket, regardless of when you purchased it, would show as valid when scanned by a revenue inspector and shouldn't be rejected. An advance ticket is restricted to one train only, so if you bought this then the inspector was correct and the ticket was not valid.

TOC's cannot issue 'fines', they can issue penalty fares (£20 or twice the single to the station you are travelling to, whichever is greater), or they can pass on your information to seek a potential prosecution.



Can you upload a copy of the piece of paper you recieved (with all personal details obscured/removed) so we are better able to establish exactly what has happened and offer the best advice we can.


It's generally best to remain civil with the inspector, however not to divulge any information which could incriminate you or lead to them conducting a further investigation. What did you discuss with the inspector?

There are many experts on here (I am about as far from an expert as you can get!) who will be happy to assist, however without more details we simply cannot offer you much in the way of appropriate advice at present I'm afraid.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 11 Jul 2022 ==


The order is important here:

Were you asked to produce a ticket THEN you bought it, or did you see the inspector coming, buy the ticket, then present it when requested?

Your ticket is a weekend only super off peak single with no time restrictions, so it technically IS valid on the train you used.

If, however, you bought it after being asked to produce a valid ticket, then the offence was already committed as fare evasion is a strict liability offence (ie, if you cannot produce a valid ticket when askedl, you are guilty)

This was me being stupid and foolish enough what can I do now?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 11 Jul 2022 ==

This was me being stupid and foolish enough what can I do now?

Welcome to RailUK forums,

Firstly (just for future reference), it is an extremely serious criminal offence to board any train without a valid ticket. If you are unable to present one when asked, you run the risk of facing prosecution, so I would advise you to keep this in mind in future - it'll save a lot of stress!

It feels like quite a few details are missing here - Cambridge is a gated station so you cannot access the platforms without a ticket. I am curious to understand how you were able to avoid this.

Exactly what ticket did you buy onboard? A flexible ticket, regardless of when you purchased it, would show as valid when scanned by a revenue inspector and shouldn't be rejected. An advance ticket is restricted to one train only, so if you bought this then the inspector was correct and the ticket was not valid.

TOC's cannot issue 'fines', they can issue penalty fares (£20 or twice the single to the station you are travelling to, whichever is greater), or they can pass on your information to seek a potential prosecution.



Can you upload a copy of the piece of paper you recieved (with all personal details obscured/removed) so we are better able to establish exactly what has happened and offer the best advice we can.


It's generally best to remain civil with the inspector, however not to divulge any information which could incriminate you or lead to them conducting a further investigation. What did you discuss with the inspector?

There are many experts on here (I am about as far from an expert as you can get!) who will be happy to assist, however without more details we simply cannot offer you much in the way of appropriate advice at present I'm afraid.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 11 Jul 2022 ==


The order is important here:

Were you asked to produce a ticket THEN you bought it, or did you see the inspector coming, buy the ticket, then present it when requested?

Your ticket is a weekend only super off peak single with no time restrictions, so it technically IS valid on the train you used.

If, however, you bought it after being asked to produce a valid ticket, then the offence was already committed as fare evasion is a strict liability offence (ie, if you cannot produce a valid ticket when askedl, you are guilty)

I will happily pay any fines required to settle this issue

 

[Huntergreed]

This was me being stupid and foolish enough what can I do now?

As @Hadders says above, it is likely you will receive a letter (although this can take anything up to 6 months to arrive!), when you do, follow his excellent advice when responding:

You might want to include the following in your reply:

- That you are sorry for what has happened
- What you have learned from the incident
- That you are keen to settle the matter without the need for court action
- Offer to pay the outstanding fare and the train company's administrative costs in dealing with the matter

Make sure your reply is short and concise, don't give a sob story - they've heard it all before. Most train companies are usually prepared to offer an administrative settlement (commonly known as an out of court settlement) for people who engage with the process and who haven't come to their attention before. There is no guarantee of this and the train company would be well within their rights to prosecute you in the magistrates court.

You are in no way guaranteed a settlement, however if this is your first offence, you stand a good chance. Your best bet is, when the letter arrives, draft your reply and post it on here for us to offer advice on before you send it. Once you've done that, simply wait for the TOC to reply, hopefully with a settlement figure and, once this is paid, that will be the end of the matter.

Try not to worry about it, it's certainly not a major crime to worry about, it's a mistake which you'll learn from and we're happy to offer any further advice.

For advice on how to find cheaper fares, have a look at the fares advice section, some great tips to save you a good amount off some tickets

 

[Princeowusu]

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 11 Jul 2022 ==

The ticket was bought on the Trainline app when I was on the train it said “Anytime single” and by my knowledge it meant I can take any direct train from Cambridge to kings cross (which was the train I took but just at an earlier time) obviously I was being stupid and booked it when she asked for the ticket

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 11 Jul 2022 ==

Like I honestly regret my decision and to answer ur previous question the barriers where open at that time

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 11 Jul 2022 ==

She essentially asked me for my details which I originally gave her false details (this was after I booked the ticket btw) I wasn’t rude when doing so yes this was my first stupid mistake for lying but I did come clean in the end but when I did she started to record me because I lied about my name and address I was not showing aggression in any way and I thought I would just get a letter home getting a fine and that was it till I got that piece of paper and research on it to then realise I may be prosecuted I’m not a repeat offender nor do I want to be one but I am worried I’m only 20 going to university this won’t ever happen again!

As @Hadders says above, it is likely you will receive a letter (although this can take anything up to 6 months to arrive!), when you do, follow his excellent advice when responding:



You are in no way guaranteed a settlement, however if this is your first offence, you stand a good chance. Your best bet is, when the letter arrives, draft your reply and post it on here for us to offer advice on before you send it. Once you've done that, simply wait for the TOC to reply, hopefully with a settlement figure and, once this is paid, that will be the end of the matter.

Try not to worry about it, it's certainly not a major crime to worry about, it's a mistake which you'll learn from and we're happy to offer any further advice.

For advice on how to find cheaper fares, have a look at the fares advice section, some great tips to save you a good amount off some tickets

I’ve already written a draft on it which I sent on the first post of u can please look at ☺️

 

[furlong]

A bit of a grey area really and you might get lucky and hear no more or just get a warning letter. How long after boarding was it before you bought the ticket? It appears you already paid the right fare so the company has not lost any money as you say you put right your mistake before the inspector spoke to you. While the company might claim a technical breach of the byelaw requiring you to buy before boarding, as it has not lost any money and you have already settled the fare, it might be argued that use of the courts or the payment of further compensation would be completely inappropriate. Normally the fare remains unpaid when they prosecute and the need for compensation provides justification for the proceedings.

 

[Huntergreed]

Dear Sir/Madam

I give you my sincere apologies offer my sincerest apologies of I stupid I was on jumping on the train for boarding your XX:XX train from Cambridge to London King's Cross without a [valid] ticket on the 10th of July 2022.

This was on the train from Cambridge to London Kings cross in which Onboard this train I was met by the train approached by a ticket inspector I was then asked to provide a ticket who asked me to produce a valid ticket. in which I tried to book it whilst she was waiting thinking that the ticket would still be valid as it was the same journey but a later departure time (49 mins which the train I was on was the same duration) Whilst onboard, I tried to purchase a new ticket, thinking that the ticket would still be valid as it was for the same journey but at a later departure time.

She The inspector then asked me to pay a penalty fare [giving me the option of paying] now on the train or pay[ing] later. Thinking that I may be able to pay later, I took the latter option but provided her with false information as I was scared. I then realised I put myself in a severe situation in which I regretted and gave her my home address and correct personal details with the ticket I booked as she asked as I didn’t want any more problems. I originally thought I would just get a letter sent home and pay a higher fee later and that’s it! Initially I didn’t read the piece of paper she got me till she left after reading it and that I didn’t know what “GTREMG” meant at that time till I searched it on the web as I have never in a situation like this, (For the my date of birth, I emailed the correct one later with the reference number of the paper she gave me after this incident when I got home).

I regretted regret my decision of lying to her to lie to her in the first place. Naturally I wasn’t aggressive towards her or made make her feel uncomfortable in any way and I complied with her [requests/instructions] the whole time even when I gave her the wrong details initially. I don’t want to be prosecuted for something small as a train ticket as I’m not a criminal nor do I want to be one . I really regret making the foolish decision of lying to her in the first place and it won’t happen again. This is my first and will be my last [offence]. I’m only 20 and a first-year university student with underlying health conditions who has just started facing adult life properly.

I sincerely apologise for wasting your team's time and resources processing this case and would be more than happy to pay a fee as a vow to not let my stupidity and my scaredness get the best of me again. I have learned from this incident greatly and I’ve come clean in this statement and realise the importance of ensuring I buy the correct ticket for my journey before I board any train. I don’t want this case to escalate further as I have a clean record and i don’t want to ruin my name or reputation for something this stupid, please consider my negotiation and have a lovely day .


Here is my reference number on the ticket:

Here's Here is the officer's badge number:


Yours truly Faithfully,

A few amendments I've made. Train companies like concise letters which are to the point. I personally think you 'overdo' it in trying to express sorrow. TOC's are looking for an apology, an assurance you have learned from the incident (have you got a railcard? If not, this can be a great way to demonstrate to a TOC that you are now keen to purchase fares correctly going forward.

A bit of a grey area really and you might get lucky and hear no more or just get a warning letter. How long after boarding was it before you bought the ticket? It appears you already paid the right fare so the company has not lost any money as you say you put right your mistake before the inspector spoke to you. While the company might claim a technical breach of the byelaw requiring you to buy before boarding, as it has not lost any money and you have already settled the fare, it might be argued that use of the courts would be completely inappropriate. Normally the fare remains unpaid when they prosecute and the need for compensation provides justification for the proceedings.

Agreed. Don't contact the TOC until you receive a letter and, since the fare has already been paid, you may actually find they don't decide to take further action, however only time will tell (it can take up to 6 months, just make sure you keep an eye on the post!)

 

[skyhigh]

The order is important here:

Were you asked to produce a ticket THEN you bought it, or did you see the inspector coming, buy the ticket, then present it when requested?

Your ticket is a weekend only super off peak single with no time restrictions, so it technically IS valid on the train you used.

If, however, you bought it after being asked to produce a valid ticket, then the offence was already committed as fare evasion is a strict liability offence (ie, if you cannot produce a valid ticket when askedl, you are guilty)

The full wording of Byelaw 18 is:

18. Ticketless travel in non-compulsory ticket areas
(1)in any area not designated as a compulsory ticket area, no person shall enter any train for the purpose of travelling on the railway unless he has with him a valid ticket entitling him to travel
(2)a person shall hand over his ticket for inspection and verification of validity when asked to do so by an authorised person
(3)no person shall be in breach of Byelaw 18(1) or 18(2) if:
(i)there were no facilities in working order for the issue or validation of any ticket at the time when, and the station where, he began his journey or
(ii)there was a notice at the station where he began his journey permitting journeys to be started without a valid ticket or
(iii)an authorised person gave him permission to travel without a valid ticket

Hence it is an offence under 18(1) to enter a train where facilities for purchase were available by travel - and you can still be guilty of this offence if you buy the ticket *after* you have boarded. This is to cover 'buy when challenged' situations when people only buy when they see an inspector coming. Hence, the order makes no difference if there were purchasing facilities at Cambridge - a valid prosecution under the Byelaws can still be made.

 

[Hadders]

You might want to remove the personal information (e.g. email address) from the attachments you've uploaded in post #5

 

[Princeowusu]

You might want to remove the personal information (e.g. email address) from the attachments you've uploaded in post #5

Ok thank you very much

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 11 Jul 2022 ==

A few amendments I've made. Train companies like concise letters which are to the point. I personally think you 'overdo' it in trying to express sorrow. TOC's are looking for an apology, an assurance you have learned from the incident (have you got a railcard? If not, this can be a great way to demonstrate to a TOC that you are now keen to purchase fares correctly going forward.



Agreed. Don't contact the TOC until you receive a letter and, since the fare has already been paid, you may actually find they don't decide to take further action, however only time will tell (it can take up to 6 months, just make sure you keep an eye on the post!)

Thank you so much for your feedback and I’ll use this when the letter comes any information I’ll provide it on the forum

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 11 Jul 2022 ==

Ok thank you very much

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 11 Jul 2022 ==


Thank you so much for your feedback and I’ll use this when the letter comes any information I’ll provide it on the forum

Also this has made me realise I need to learn the law a lot more as I honestly didn’t know minor crimes like this can get u in sticky situations I generally thought it was things like robberies etc

 

[Princeowusu]

A few amendments I've made. Train companies like concise letters which are to the point. I personally think you 'overdo' it in trying to express sorrow. TOC's are looking for an apology, an assurance you have learned from the incident (have you got a railcard? If not, this can be a great way to demonstrate to a TOC that you are now keen to purchase fares correctly going forward.



Agreed. Don't contact the TOC until you receive a letter and, since the fare has already been paid, you may actually find they don't decide to take further action, however only time will tell (it can take up to 6 months, just make sure you keep an eye on the post!)

I didn’t pay for the penalty fare (as in I didn’t pay the fine I chose to pay it later) if that makes sense that when I lied initially (if ur referring to the ticket I paid for after she asked then yes)

 

[Kite159]

It feels like quite a few details are missing here - Cambridge is a gated station so you cannot access the platforms without a ticket. I am curious to understand how you were able to avoid this.

Remember a station might have barriers installed but on the day/time the OP travelled they might have been open due to either staff shortages or even overcrowding (especially at Cambridge as the gateline isn't the widest so queues can build up on busy days).

 

[WesternLancer]

Here is what I’ve drafted so far

Dear Sir/Madam

I give you my sincere apologies of I stupid I was on jumping on the train without a ticket on the 10th of July 2022. This was on the train from Cambridge to London Kings cross in which I was met by the train inspector. I was then asked to provide a ticket in which I tried to book it whilst she was waiting thinking that the ticket would still be valid as it was the same journey but a later departure time (49 mins which the train I was on was the same duration). She then asked me to pay a penalty fare now on the train or pay later. Thinking that I may be able to pay later, I took the latter option but provided her with false information as I was scared. I then realised I put myself in a severe situation in which I regretted and gave her my home address and correct personal details with the ticket I booked as she asked as I didn’t want any more problems. I originally thought I would just get a letter sent home and pay a higher fee later and that’s it! Initially I didn’t read the piece of paper she got me till she left after reading it and that I didn’t know what “GTREMG” meant at that time till I searched it on the web as I have never in a situation like this, (For the date of birth, I emailed the correct one later with the reference number of the paper she gave me after this incident when I got home) I regretted my decision of lying to her in the first place. Naturally I wasn’t aggressive towards her or made her feel uncomfortable in any way and I complied with her the whole time even when I gave her the wrong details initially. I don’t want to be prosecuted for something small as a train ticket as I’m not a criminal nor do I want to be one. I really regret making the foolish decision of lying to her in the first place and it won’t happen again. This is my first and will be my last. I’m only 20 and a first-year university student with underlying health conditions who has just started facing adult life properly. I sincerely apologise for wasting your team's time and resources processing this case and would be more than happy to pay a fee as a vow to not let my stupidity and my scaredness get the best of me again. I have learned from this incident greatly and I’ve come clean in this statement. I don’t want this case to escalate further as I have a clean record and i don’t want to ruin my name or reputation for something this stupid, please consider my negotiation and have a lovely day.



Here is my reference number on the ticket:

Here's the officer's badge number:



Yours truly,

Insert some paragraph breaks.

It's not easy to read a wodge of text, so they might not bother (I assume you want them to read what you have to say of course?) - ask yourself - do you like to read big blocks of text like that.

Also this has made me realise I need to learn the law a lot more as I honestly didn’t know minor crimes like this can get u in sticky situations I generally thought it was things like robberies etc

Anything that is against the law has to have decent sanctions - otherwise some people would never obey any laws / rules. But that does not mean they want to fill up prisons with fare dodgers / shoplifters etc - so if you engage with the train company when they contact you you have every chance of being able to put things right without being criminalized.

As an aside if you were offered a Penalty Fare charge on the train when spoken to you would have been wise to have paid it then and there - it would have been much cheaper and easier to resolve things by doing that and would have closed the matter. One for the future of course.

Also - as stated above now buy a Railcard ASAP - as you can state that you have done that when you reply to the railway as a way of showing you have taken steps not to do this again and learned your lesson.

 

[Princeowusu]

Thank you I’ll also use the modified version of what you guys made to as u said make it concise and apologetic

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 15 Jul 2022 ==

Hello guys I also forgot to reiterate before I found this community I called Thameslink customer services they gave me for the prosecutions team in which I emailed them (using the first template of my draft letter posted here) I then sent it to them and they’ve just email me back saying
Good afternoon
You will receive written correspondence in due course.

again this was before I found you guys

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 15 Jul 2022 ==

Thank you I’ll also use the modified version of what you guys made to as u said make it concise and apologetic

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 15 Jul 2022 ==

Hello guys I also forgot to reiterate before I found this community I called Thameslink customer services they gave me for the prosecutions team in which I emailed them (using the first template of my draft letter posted here) I then sent it to them and they’ve just email me back saying
Good afternoon
You will receive written correspondence in due course.

again this was before I found you guys

What does this mean exactly?

 

[Princeowusu]

here is my final draft

Dear Sir/Madam

My sincerest apologies 11:20 train from Cambridge to London King's Cross without a [valid] ticket on the 10th of July 2022.

Onboard this train I was met by the train approached by a ticket inspector Whilst onboard, I tried to purchase a new ticket, thinking that the ticket would still be valid as it was for the same journey but at a later departure time.

The inspector then asked me to pay a penalty fare [giving me the option of paying] now on the train or paying] later. Thinking that I may be able to pay later, I took the latter option but provided her with false information as I was scared. I then realised I put myself in a severe situation in which I regretted and gave her my home address and correct personal details with the ticket I booked as she asked as I didn’t want any more problems (For the my date of birth, I emailed the correct one later with the reference number of the paper she gave me after this incident when I got home).

I regret my decision to lie to her in the first place. Naturally I wasn’t aggressive towards her or made make her feel uncomfortable in any way and I complied with her [requests/instructions] the whole time even when I gave her the wrong details initially. I really regret making the foolish decision of lying to her in the first place and it won’t happen again. This is my first and will be my last [offence]. I sincerely apologise for wasting your team's time and resources processing this case and would be more than happy to pay a fee/ out of court settlement as a vow to not let my stupidity and my scaredness get the best of me again. I have learned from this incident greatly and I realise the importance of ensuring I buy the correct ticket for my journey before I board any train. Lastly, I’m going to buy a railcard before my university term starts again to make ticket fares cheaper for me as a University student.

Here is my reference number on the ticket:



Here is the officer's badge number:


Faithfully,

 

[Hadders]

Have you received a letter from the train company?

I think I would explain briefly how you came to be on the train without a ticket, and apologise for not purchasing a ticket before boarding the train. You might also want to mention that you purchased a ticket when you saw the inspector but you now realise this was wrong and that you should have purchased a ticket before boarding the train.

 

[SKI]

here is my final draft

Dear Sir/Madam

My sincerest apologies 11:20 train from Cambridge to London King's Cross without a [valid] ticket on the 10th of July 2022.

Onboard this train I was met by the train approached by a ticket inspector Whilst onboard, I tried to purchase a new ticket, thinking that the ticket would still be valid as it was for the same journey but at a later departure time.

The inspector then asked me to pay a penalty fare [giving me the option of paying] now on the train or paying] later. Thinking that I may be able to pay later, I took the latter option but provided her with false information as I was scared. I then realised I put myself in a severe situation in which I regretted and gave her my home address and correct personal details with the ticket I booked as she asked as I didn’t want any more problems (For the my date of birth, I emailed the correct one later with the reference number of the paper she gave me after this incident when I got home).

I regret my decision to lie to her in the first place. Naturally I wasn’t aggressive towards her or made make her feel uncomfortable in any way and I complied with her [requests/instructions] the whole time even when I gave her the wrong details initially. I really regret making the foolish decision of lying to her in the first place and it won’t happen again. This is my first and will be my last [offence]. I sincerely apologise for wasting your team's time and resources processing this case and would be more than happy to pay a fee/ out of court settlement as a vow to not let my stupidity and my scaredness get the best of me again. I have learned from this incident greatly and I realise the importance of ensuring I buy the correct ticket for my journey before I board any train. Lastly, I’m going to buy a railcard before my university term starts again to make ticket fares cheaper for me as a University student.

Here is my reference number on the ticket:



Here is the officer's badge number:


Faithfully,

hey do you have any update on your situation?

 

[Princeowusu]

I recieved the letter and sent them that draft I’m waiting for their reply it’s been about 2 weeks now no reply as of yet

 

[moo95]

I recieved the letter and sent them that draft I’m waiting for their reply it’s been about 2 weeks now no reply as of yet

Hi there any updates about the reply

 

[Princeowusu]

hi good news they sent me to court for the 5th october but i called them up and they said i can pay an out of court settlement

 

[Islineclear3_1]

hi good news they sent me to court for the 5th october but i called them up and they said i can pay an out of court settlement

Pay the out of court settlement otherwise you may be convicted

 

[Princeowusu]

Pay the out of court settlement otherwise you may be convicted

yepp im paying it on the 19th when student finance comes