Potential Prosecution - Need Advice!

[John R]

I think you need to provide more detail, as to why you purchased the wrong ticket, and also state the time the ticket was purchased and the time of departure of the train.

Also, the last sentence appears to contradict the thrust of your argument, as it suggests you were guilty.

I've no idea what "I understand this appeal" means or adds either?

 

[AlterEgo]

This is my appeal letter:

I understand this appeal. Upon arriving at Flitwick, I had accidentally bought the wrong ticket to Harlington for the train I was supposed to be on (this is what I used to get through the barrier) - this was a genuine error.


After realising this after getting through the barriers, I bought the correct ticket to London before boarding the train I was supposed to be on, therefore boarding the train with a correct ticket.

I have a screenshot and proof of this ticket - I assume you have a picture/reference to this as the inspector took a photo.


I have learned from my mistake, and understand why it is important to always ensure /I have the correct ticket.

End of letter.

What do you guys think?

That’s not very specific and you need to use the language of the allegation. You are accused of boarding a train without a valid ticket. Address it *directly* and explain exactly why this cannot have been the case.

Also “I understand this appeal” doesn’t make any sense in English in this context.

 

[30907]

Also “I understand this appeal” doesn’t make any sense in English in this context.

My guess is that English isn't your first language? Do you have any bilingual contacts who could help here (afraid I only do French and German, and I guess that doesn't help!)?

 

[Gloster]

If I understand correctly, the letter that you have received about the matter is the only one that you have received. If so, it is asking you for your version of events and you can use the reply to provide your explanation: in this case you would be explaining why and how you did not commit the offence they are accusing you of. An ‘appeal’ would only come later in the process if you felt that they acted in a wrong or unduly harsh way. Hopefully, it will not come to that and so it is best if you avoid confusion by not calling your letter to them an appeal.

 

[HurdyGurdy]

The OP should directly respond to the allegation that he entered the train without a valid ticket. But he has to be aware that his actions could also give rise to suspicions that by using the Harlington ticket to pass the barrier at Flitwick, he was attempting to travel (to London) without previously paying his fare and with intent to avoid payment thereof. Anything said which confirms those suspicions might result in him being prosecuted for that offence under RoRA.

Finding a form of words which explains what caused him to realise that - having passed the barrier, but before noticing a revenue officer approaching - he'd accidentally bought a ticket to Harlington rather than London, will be crucial. The TOC will have the report from the revenue officer. I'd be seeking the advice of a solicitor.

 

[Adam Williams]

By the way, could the £26-70 ticket, in theory, have been auto-refunded if not scanned?

No retailer will auto-refund an unscanned E-Ticket; that would go down like a lead balloon with RDG if anyone started doing it. It's different with unprinted ToD because you can guarantee the ticket hasn't been used.

 

[JR1820]

The OP should directly respond to the allegation that he entered the train without a valid ticket. But he has to be aware that his actions could also give rise to suspicions that by using the Harlington ticket to pass the barrier at Flitwick, he was attempting to travel (to London) without previously paying his fare and with intent to avoid payment thereof. Anything said which confirms those suspicions might result in him being prosecuted for that offence under RoRA.

Finding a form of words which explains what caused him to realise that - having passed the barrier, but before noticing a revenue officer approaching - he'd accidentally bought a ticket to Harlington rather than London, will be crucial. The TOC will have the report from the revenue officer. I'd be seeking the advice of a solicitor

So I should say that I entered the train without a valid ticket, even though I had bought one to London which was valid

 

[JR1820]

How about this:

I understand the seriousness of the situation and I am committed to resolving the matter.

Upon arriving at Flitwick, I had accidentally bought the wrong ticket to Harlington for the train I was supposed to be on (this is what I used to get through the barrier) - this was a genuine error. I sometimes travel to Harlington meeting friends.

It was after the barriers that I had realised that I had the incorrect ticket, so I immediately bought the 6:59 ticket to London at 6:43, as the 6:43 ticket was unavailable to purchase - I could not purchase as the 6:43 was running late. The reason I boarded the 6:43 train with the 6:59 ticket is because the tickets are flexible and can be used at any point in the day, therefore the ticket was valid for the journey when I boarded.

I must express I did not enter the train with the intention of not paying, I have reference to my purchases if needed.

 

[MotCO]

Does your purchase history show that you bought Harlington tickets at times when you would meet friends, e.g. evenings and weekends and not peak times.

Also, why did you buy a paper ticket on the day of the offence if you usually buy tickets on line?

 

[Hadders]

How about this:

I understand the seriousness of the situation and I am committed to resolving the matter.

Upon arriving at Flitwick, I had accidentally bought the wrong ticket to Harlington for the train I was supposed to be on (this is what I used to get through the barrier) - this was a genuine error. I sometimes travel to Harlington meeting friends.

It was after the barriers that I had realised that I had the incorrect ticket, so I immediately bought the 6:59 ticket to London at 6:43, as the 6:43 ticket was unavailable to purchase - I could not purchase as the 6:43 was running late. The reason I boarded the 6:43 train with the 6:59 ticket is because the tickets are flexible and can be used at any point in the day, therefore the ticket was valid for the journey when I boarded.

I must express I did not enter the train with the intention of not paying, I have reference to my purchases if needed.

I would say something like this.

I am writing in response to your letter dated XX XXXX.

Upon arrival at Flitwick station I purchased a ticket to Harlington and passed through the barriers. This is a journey I regularly make for leisure purposes. As I passed through the barriers I realised I had inadvertently purchased the wrong ticket as I was travelling to St Pancras. I immediately purchased a ticket from Flitwick to St Pancras to regularise the situation.

The ticket from Flitwick to St Pancras was purchased before I boarded the train. You will see from the enclosed booking confirmation that the ticket was purchased at 06:43 and I travelled on the 06:43 service which was running late on the day [if you can find out exactly how late it was and state that here].

As I held a valid ticket for my journey, which was purchased before I boarded the train, no offence has been committed and I hope you will confirm that this matter is now closed.

Do make sure that you can absolutely show to them that the ticket was purchased before you boarded the train.

 

[30907]

Also, why did you buy a paper ticket on the day of the offence if you usually buy tickets on line?

I don't think the OP has stated they bought a paper ticket?