single justice procedure notice by northern train

[tholar]

Hi guys i was charged for wrong rail ticket i mistakenly applied 16-17 saver rather than my valid family and friend rail card so i got worried altered the ticket not to show 16-17 saver because i didn’t want to repurchase. i presented the family and friend rail card and ticket when asked and answer all their question truthfully. this is my first time in this type of situation .i really regret this, i got initial notice letter i responded and pleaded for a lenient penalty, and i was served single justice procedure notice. i am really worried i don’t want any criminal record because i’m a teacher. it will affect my career and visa. i have attached the surmon . any help please.

 

[methecooldude]

Hi guys i was charged for wrong rail ticket i mistakenly applied 16-17 saver rather than my valid family and friend rail card so i got worried altered the ticket not to show 16-17 saver because i didn’t want to repurchase. i presented the family and friend rail card and ticket when asked and answer all their question truthfully. this is my first time in this type of situation .i really regret this, i got initial notice letter i responded and pleaded for a lenient penalty, and i was served single justice procedure notice. i am really worried i don’t want any criminal record because i’m a teacher. it will affect my career and visa. i have attached the surmon . any help please.

The experts will be along shortly, but if you were traveling alone, the Friends and Family wouldn't be valid either as you are required to have a child traveling with you in order for the discount to be valid. I think you are lucky they have not gone down the Fraud Act route.

 

[skyhigh]

From the statement of facts, they've received your response, considered it and disregarded it.

What did you say to them in your letter? As we have recently seen them decide to prosecute when the letter sent was poor.

You deliberately edited the ticket, so I imagine it's possible the letter was fine but they don't see any reason to settle. Your only real option is to email Northern again ASAP and ask them again to settle.

 

[WesternLancer]

Hi guys i was charged for wrong rail ticket i mistakenly applied 16-17 saver rather than my valid family and friend rail card so i got worried altered the ticket not to show 16-17 saver because i didn’t want to repurchase. i presented the family and friend rail card and ticket when asked and answer all their question truthfully. this is my first time in this type of situation .i really regret this, i got initial notice letter i responded and pleaded for a lenient penalty, and i was served single justice procedure notice. i am really worried i don’t want any criminal record because i’m a teacher. it will affect my career and visa. i have attached the surmon . any help please.

You say you previously responded. Do you have any evidence they received that response? Eg tracked postage.

How did you send it e mail or post and where to?

Can you post a copy of what you sent them in your reply? This might help explain why they have moved to prosecution.

I would think the fact you tried to amend your ticket makes it more serious. It changes what you might be able to get away with claiming was a mistake (albeit one that saved you more money, conveniently…) to an active decision on your part to cover this up in a way that looks actively dishonest to the railway company.

 

[AlterEgo]

Hi guys i was charged for wrong rail ticket i mistakenly applied 16-17 saver rather than my valid family and friend rail card so i got worried altered the ticket not to show 16-17 saver because i didn’t want to repurchase.

This is petty fraud and is quite fundamentally dishonest.

Fortunately for you the railway does not prosecute under the Fraud Act very often, but if you alter a ticket they might be determined to prosecute you to set an example.

i got initial notice letter i responded and pleaded for a lenient penalty

Please upload a copy of the letter you responded with, so we can see whether there was anything more you might have said to avoid prosecution.

 

[JBuchananGB]

You say you previously responded. Do you have any evidence they received that response?

The SJPN documentation states that the TOC received the OP's reply. It also says they consider it in the public interest to prosecute. In this case where the OP has attempted to fake a ticket that is hardly surprising. I think that in order to receive a reduction in the fine for an early guilty plea, that is what they should do.

 

[tholar]

This is petty fraud and is quite fundamentally dishonest.

Fortunately for you the railway does not prosecute under the Fraud Act very often, but if you alter a ticket they might be determined to prosecute you to set an example.


Please upload a copy of the letter you responded with, so we can see whether there was anything more you might have said to avoid prosecution.

here is a copy of my response

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 29 Mar 2025 ==

The experts will be along shortly, but if you were traveling alone, the Friends and Family wouldn't be valid either as you are required to have a child traveling with you in order for the discount to be valid. I think you are lucky they have not gone down the Fraud Act route.

that was like my first period using the rail, i really do not know all this , i really feel so sorry. i do not want any criminal record. i was unaware of all this rule at the time. is there any chance of mercy

 

[skyhigh]

That reply is unlikely to have helped things, editing a screenshot to remove the discount marker isn't an "honest mistake", and a 16-17 discounted ticket isn't valid with a family and friends Railcard (as you obviously knew, because you tried to hide the discount).

I'm not sure you need to research ticketing policies to understand how you did something wrong either.

I would write another letter, actually taking accountability for the conscious actions you made to defraud them if the fare due and post it here for suggestions before sending to Northern on Monday. That's the only way you're going to avoid court.

 

[tholar]

i really do not want any criminal record, i need help . i was ignorant . i’ve never had any issues before of any kind.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 29 Mar 2025 ==

That reply is unlikely to have helped things, editing a screenshot to remove the discount marker isn't an "honest mistake", and a 16-17 discounted ticket isn't valid with a family and friends Railcard (as you obviously knew, because you tried to hide the discount).

I'm not sure you need to research ticketing policies to understand how you did something wrong either.

I would write another letter, actually taking accountability for the conscious actions you made to defraud them if the fare due and post it here for suggestions before sending to Northern on Monday. That's the only way you're going to avoid court.

thank you

 

[furlong]

You wrote "There was no intention to mislead or misuse the ticket" so basically their response was "we'll let the court be the judge of that".

When in a hole, stop digging.

The way to look at this situation is that there seems to be little chance of defending a case like this successfully in court, and if you see that, then you might as well openly acknowledge your guilt. That then enables you to apologise properly and seek to reach a settlement out-of-court.

(I think people might argue it's not in the public interest for a prosecutor to settle with people who don't accept the depth of their wrong-doing - by analogy with the conditions on police disposing of offences with cautions.)

 

[island]

So if I get the sequence of events correct, you:

• Bought a ticket with a discount card you don't own, that happens to be the highest available % discount available to the public
• Forged the ticket to remove reference to the discount, and uttered the forged ticket
• Presented a Railcard which would not have been valid for any discount on the journey
• Got caught
• Spun a cock and bull story about how there was "no intention to mislead or misuse the ticket", and how it's all right because you haven't committed any more crimes since

If this were prosecuted, one would wonder how much more serious a case would need to be before getting prosecuted, and I agree with furlong that it is in the public interest to prosecute you here.

The few positives are:

• Despite clear evidence of fraud and forgery, you have been charged with lesser offences under the Railway Byelaws
• If convicted of these offences, which you should be, they are unlikely to appear on your DBS check as they are non-recordable
• The maximum fine is £1,000 and in practice will normally be much less.

 

[tholar]

That reply is unlikely to have helped things, editing a screenshot to remove the discount marker isn't an "honest mistake", and a 16-17 discounted ticket isn't valid with a family and friends Railcard (as you obviously knew, because you tried to hide the discount).

I'm not sure you need to research ticketing policies to understand how you did something wrong either.

I would write another letter, actually taking accountability for the conscious actions you made to defraud them if the fare due and post it here for suggestions before sending to Northern on Monday. That's the only way you're going to avoid court.

kindly find below letter i intend to send on Monday

Subject: A Heartfelt Plea for Mercy and Forgiveness

Dear Revenue Enforcement Delivery Manager,

I am writing this email with a heavy heart, overwhelmed by regret and sorrow for my actions on 30 September 2024. I cannot begin to express how deeply ashamed and devastated I am. From the bottom of my heart, I am so, so sorry. Every single day since that moment, I have been consumed by guilt, unable to find peace, knowing that I made a terrible and inexcusable action.

I take full responsibility for what happened. There is no justification for my actions, and I will forever regret that I allowed myself to make such a foolish decision. I have let myself down, and the thought that I may have jeopardized my entire future because of this fills me with unbearable fear and despair.

This situation has weighed so heavily on me .The fear of how this might impact my life and the shame from my actions has left me completely broken.

Since that day, I have done everything possible to make sure I never, ever take such action again. I have followed every rule, bought every ticket correctly, and ensured I fully understand the regulations.I have not committed any offense before and I have learned a painful and unforgettable lesson.

I try to be honest as possible as a diligent chemistry teacher. I made a terrible decision in a moment of weakness, but this is not who I am. I would never dream of putting myself in this situation again. Please, I am begging you, with every ounce of sincerity in my heart, to show me compassion. Please, I am pleading for a chance to make this right without it destroying my future.

I am willing to do whatever it takes to resolve this pay any fine, make any repayment, comply with any conditions. Please, I ask for your mercy. If there is any way to settle this matter outside of court, I would be forever grateful.

I know that I do not deserve your forgiveness, but I am humbly asking for it. I will never take this second chance for granted if you give it to me. Please, I am desperately hoping for your kindness to settle of of court.

Thank you for your time.

 

[tholar]

i would appreciate everyone contribution to kindly help make corrections on the letter i intend to send on monday. thank you so much.

 

[WesternLancer]

Hi guys i was charged for wrong rail ticket i mistakenly applied 16-17 saver rather than my valid family and friend rail card so i got worried altered the ticket not to show 16-17 saver because i didn’t want to repurchase. i presented the family and friend rail card and ticket when asked and answer all their question truthfully. this is my first time in this type of situation .i really regret this, i got initial notice letter i responded and pleaded for a lenient penalty, and i was served single justice procedure notice. i am really worried i don’t want any criminal record because i’m a teacher. it will affect my career and visa. i have attached the surmon . any help please.

If you are a teacher you could see if your union has access to legal help you can use.

You could also consider going directly to a solicitor for help. Ideally one of the firms that has specialist knowledge in rail fare evasion matters.

 

[AlterEgo]

i would appreciate everyone contribution to kindly help make corrections on the letter i intend to send on monday. thank you so much.

You need to write it, because it has to come from you.

If you post a draft here, people will help you tidy it up.

 

[tholar]

Thank you

 

[KirkstallOne]

Honestly, the letter comes across as ridiculous and very insincere. I presume you have used ChatGPT or similar to draft it?

An honest letter, in your own words, accepting what you did and apologising, would be more effective.

 

[AlterEgo]

Please don’t use AI to write your letters; they come across always as very overwrought to any native English speaker. You are a chemistry teacher here on a visa, as you say. You can write an apology letter yourself.

 

[Puffing Devil]

Start again, this time without the AI. Search the forum for examples.

 

[tholar]

If you are a teacher you could see if your union has access to legal help you can use.

You could also consider going directly to a solicitor for help. Ideally one of the firms that has specialist knowledge in rail fare evasion matters.

Thank you so much i check this out also

 

[SuspectUsual]

I try to be honest as possible as a diligent chemistry teacher. I made a terrible decision in a moment of weakness, but this is not who I am

Let’s be blunt.

Forgetting the AI input and looking at the substance, this section just isn’t true is it? And they know it isn’t true

You made multiple separate decisions in an attempt to defraud the railway. It was not one “terrible decision”.

If you’re going to continue to misrepresent what happens, I’d continue to expect the same response from Northern

 

[tholar]

Start again, this time without the AI. Search the forum for examples.

okay will do thanks

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 30 Mar 2025 ==

Let’s be blunt.

Forgetting the AI input and looking at the substance, this section just isn’t true is it? And they know it isn’t true

You made multiple separate decisions in an attempt to defraud the railway. It was not one “terrible decision”.

If you’re going to continue to misrepresent what happens, I’d continue to expect the same response from Northern

okay . i will correct. thank you.

 

[saismee]

Your draft doesn't actually address or explain anything either... it's pretty much just begging for a few paragraphs with extremely exaggerated language. I think the subject like is taking the piss a little too... it's a light sentence for what could've been a very serious crime, it's not as though you're getting the death penalty for it.

 

[tholar]

Start again, this time without the AI. Search the forum for examples.

Subject- Plea to producing altered ticket and wrong rail card.

Dear Revenue Enforcement Manger,

on 30th of September on the train from altricham to stockport, i presented an altered 16-17 saver ticket which the original ticket does not match with the family and friend rail card i had. i was sent an initial notice and given the opportunity to explain but did not explain with full sincerity but only emphasized on corrections i’ve made after the incident, all which does not give an excuse for my actions. My actions to deceive the operator was terrible and i take full responsibility, there is no excuse of whatever for such and i am deeply sorry.

I have been sent a single justice procedure notice. I understand that I have been given first opportunity to explain and all necessary factors have been considered before this decision was reached. i want to plead to kindly settle out of court. i am willing to pay all fine asked to, a court conviction will lead to crime record and will destroy my teaching career. i kindly plead to reconsider my penalty for the offence.

I plea that you kindly grant justice with mercy.

Thank you.

kind regards

 

[AlterEgo]

“Grant justice with mercy” doesn’t make any grammatical sense. You’re asking to be spared justice, not to be granted it. I’d change that sentence to “I kindly ask again that you consider settling the matter out of court, and look forward to your response”.

You should start the letter by explaining what has prompted you to write, in your case it is receiving a summons.

 

[saismee]

You should also definitely check your grammar!! Capitalise the first letter in every sentence, capitalise every "I" pronoun.

 

[AndroidBango]

“Grant justice with mercy” doesn’t make any grammatical sense. You’re asking to be spared justice, not to be granted it. I’d change that sentence to “I kindly ask again that you consider settling the matter out of court, and look forward to your response”.

You should start the letter by explaining what has prompted you to write, in your case it is receiving a summons.

Yes, you could ask someone to 'temper justice with mercy' - but that would be massively overwrought in these circumstances.

 

[tholar]

Thank you everyone, kindly find below corrected draft

Subject- Plea to producing altered ticket and wrong rail card.

Dear Revenue Enforcement Manager,

I am prompted to send a letter to persuade for out of court resolution because of the summon I received dated 25/03/2025.

On 30th September 2024 on the train from altricham to stockport, I presented an altered 16-17 discount ticket of which the original ticket does not match with the family and friend rail card provided. I was sent an initial notice and given the opportunity to explain and did not explain with full sincerity but only emphasized on corrections I have made after the incident, all which does not give an excuse for my actions. My actions to deceive the operator was terrible and i take full responsibility, there is no excuse of whatever for such and I am deeply sorry.

I have been sent a single justice procedure notice. I want to plead to kindly settle out of court. I am willing to pay all fine asked to. A court conviction will lead to crime record and will destroy my teaching career. I kindly plead to reconsider my penalty for the offence.

I kindly ask again that you consider setting the matter out of court and look forward to your response.

kind regards

 

[6Gman]

Thank you everyone, kindly find below corrected draft

Subject- Plea to producing altered ticket and wrong rail card.

Dear Revenue Enforcement Manager,

I am prompted to send a letter to persuade for out of court resolution because of the summon I received dated 25/03/2025.

On 30th September 2024 on the train from altricham to stockport, I presented an altered 16-17 discount ticket of which the original ticket does not match with the family and friend rail card provided. I was sent an initial notice and given the opportunity to explain and did not explain with full sincerity but only emphasized on corrections I have made after the incident, all which does not give an excuse for my actions. My actions to deceive the operator was terrible and i take full responsibility, there is no excuse of whatever for such and I am deeply sorry.

I have been sent a single justice procedure notice. I want to plead to kindly settle out of court. I am willing to pay all fine asked to. A court conviction will lead to crime record and will destroy my teaching career. I kindly plead to reconsider my penalty for the offence.

I kindly ask again that you consider setting the matter out of court and look forward to your response.

kind regards

Sorry, but I think the tone is all wrong and - in parts - difficult to understand.

From the railway's point of view you purchased a ticket with a discount to which you were not entitled. By your own admission you then "altered" the ticket - which shows clear intent to avoid the correct fare. And all for a 17 minute journey!

It is difficult to see how or why the railway would respond in any other way than by prosecution but I would suggest the following as a better approach:-

Dear xxx,

I am in receipt of a SJPN dated 25th March 2025 relating to my travelling with a discounted ticket to which I was not entitled on 30th September 2024 between Altrincham and Stockport.

I recognise the stupidity of this action. It was the first and only time I have done this [only say this if it's true] and I can assure you it will not happen again.

May I ask whether you could consider an out of court settlement in this case. I would, of course, be willing to pay the fare avoided plus your administrative costs in handling this matter.

[IF you qualify for a railcard it would be worth stating - I have now purchased an appropriate railcard to ensure this does not happen again]

Yours sincerely, [more professional than "kind regards" - you're not writing to a friend]

 

[tholar]

Thank you, much appreciated