Regarding Court summon

[Ayesha01]

I was travelling from Sevenoaks to Gillingham and I pressed the railcard to avoid fare which later got checked and I was found guilty. I admitted that I made mistake in the series of events happened in first letter but I again got this letter today that I need to appear before court, I have never done anything like this before and I want to pay fine as much as they want but I don't want to go in court. What would be the outcome if I plea for guilty? Would they still call me? Will I still be punished with anything other then fine?

 

[SuspectUsual]

Can you post a copy of the paperwork you’ve received from the train company. Make sure you cover up your name and address and any reference number on it

 

[Ayesha01]

Can you post a copy of the paperwork you’ve received from the train company. Make sure you cover up your name and address and any reference number on it

 

[Mcr Warrior]

@Ayesha01. Welcome to the forum. The attachment in the above post doesn't seem to be from the railway company. What have you previously received from them (= SouthEastern)?

 

[Trainman40083]

Indeed that letter is direct from the Court. It suggests that there might have been correspondence from the train operator, that may have been ignored. Check your junk folder in email etc. Have you moved address etc?

 

[Ayesha01]

Indeed that letter is direct from the Court. It suggests that there might have been correspondence from the train operator, that may have been ignored. Check your junk folder in email etc. Have you moved address etc?

No i haven't got any mail or letter before and neither moved address.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 12 Apr 2025 ==

@Ayesha01. Welcome to the forum. The attachment in the above post doesn't seem to be from the railway company. What have you previously received from them (= SouthEastern)?

No i haven't received anything from their side

 

[alholmes]

In your initial post on this thread you mention a “first letter”. What was that letter, and what was your response to it?

 

[Ayesha01]

They asked me about my name, DOB, adress, NI number in a form and account of what happened that day. To which I wrote to save bit of money I pressed the railcard 26-30 which I didn't have. And requested them to solve the matter out of court.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 12 Apr 2025 ==

In your initial post on this thread you mention a “first letter”. What was that letter, and what was your response to it?

They asked me about my name, DOB, adress, NI number in a form and account of what happened that day. To which I wrote to save bit of money I pressed the railcard 26-30 which I didn't have. And requested them to solve the matter out of court.

 

[alholmes]

They asked me about my name, DOB, adress, NI number in a form and account of what happened that day. To which I wrote to save bit of money I pressed the railcard 26-30 which I didn't have. And requested them to solve the matter out of court.

This is really important. Do you still have a copy of the letter that they sent you, or a copy of the reply that you sent to them? If so, put a copy on here but obscure any personal details.

This is usually the stage where you’d apologise and admit your error of judgment, and convince them that it won’t happen again. The fact that they have chosen to prosecute you in Court suggests that they either didn’t like the contents of your reply, or they didn’t receive it.

 

[30907]

They asked me about my name, DOB, adress, NI number in a form and account of what happened that day. To which I wrote to save bit of money I pressed the railcard 26-30 which I didn't have. And requested them to solve the matter out of court.

Unfortunately, saying "I cheated to save money, please don't take me to court," which is effectively what you told them, is unlikely to have persuaded them(as you now know).
As you have a few days in hand, it might be worth looking for posts by longstanding member @Hadders who frequently suggests points to make. Then draft another reply, upload it here for comment, and send it in the hope that they will drop the case. SE may be willing to do so if you engage with them

Failing that, the offence they have chosen to prosecute you for is slightly more serious than the basic one of not having a (valid) ticket, but still not too serious in the grand scheme of things. A conviction is unlikely to ruin your career, for example (though concealing it could do s).

 

[Ayesha01]

Unfortunately, saying "I cheated to save money, please don't take me to court," which is effectively what you told them, is unlikely to have persuaded them(as you now know).
As you have a few days in hand, it might be worth looking for posts by longstanding member @Hadders who frequently suggests points to make. Then draft another reply, upload it here for comment, and send it in the hope that they will drop the case. SE may be willing to do so if you engage with them

Failing that, the offence they have chosen to prosecute you for is slightly more serious than the basic one of not having a (valid) ticket, but still not too serious in the grand scheme of things. A conviction is unlikely to ruin your career, for example (though concealing it could do s).

I have called southeastern team and they say MG11 cannot be taken back from court. Is that true?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 12 Apr 2025 ==

what should you write to them now to the prosecution team??

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 12 Apr 2025 ==

This is really important. Do you still have a copy of the letter that they sent you, or a copy of the reply that you sent to them? If so, put a copy on here but obscure any personal details.

This is usually the stage where you’d apologise and admit your error of judgment, and convince them that it won’t happen again. The fact that they have chosen to prosecute you in Court suggests that they either didn’t like the contents of your reply, or they didn’t receive it.

what should you write to them now??

 

[island]

I have called southeastern team and they say MG11 cannot be taken back from court. Is that true

Southeastern can discontinue the prosecution at any time if they want to, right up until the 7th of May.

 

[Ayesha01]

Southeastern can discontinue the prosecution at any time if they want to, right up until the 7th of May.

Are you sure?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 12 Apr 2025 ==

Please tell me what should i write to them now? So that they discontinue the prosecution

 

[Titfield]

Are you sure?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 12 Apr 2025 ==

Please tell me what should i write to them now? So that they discontinue the prosecution

Yes a prosecutor can withdraw the case at any time prior to the hearing or indeed cause the prosecution to fail by offering no evidence at the hearing.

You need to convince them to offer you an out of court settlement (which you accept and then pay) and they will withdraw the prosecution.

To do this you need to treat the matter very seriously by apologising, admitting your error of judgment, and convince them that it won’t happen again.

As has been said upthread search for threads where @Hadders has given advice and critiqued draft responses. Upload your draft reply to this thread so it can be critiqued by forum members.

 

[Ayesha01]

I am writing with regards to reference xxxx. I got a letter in october, which I replied promptly, admitting my mistake and requesting for my plea to settle the matter out of court. I emailed again in three weeks to ask if you got my letter, which was responded to positively that it was received. Unfortunately, today, I received a somon frim court stating that I need to appear in court on the 7th. I just want to say I am extremely embarrassed and have learnt a lot from my mistake. I have never ever done this before, and I am truly apologising and ensuring that it won't happen ever again in my life. I am happily willing to pay the outstanding fare and the train Southeastern's administrative costs plus the courts fee in dealing with the matter, and I would beg your pardon and request to please take your case back. I am a working woman to support my family, I cant afford any crimimal offense, I ensure that it wont happen ever again, please withdraw the case.
I shall be very thankful to you for this act of kindness.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 12 Apr 2025 ==

I am writing with regards to reference xxxx. I got a letter in october, which I replied promptly, admitting my mistake and requesting for my plea to settle the matter out of court. I emailed again in three weeks to ask if you got my letter, which was responded to positively that it was received. Unfortunately, today, I received a somon from court stating that I need to appear in court on the 7th. I just want to say I am extremely embarrassed and have learnt a lot from my mistake. I have never ever done this before, and I am truly apologising and ensuring that it won't happen ever again in my life. I am happily willing to pay the outstanding fare and the train Southeastern's administrative costs plus the courts fee in dealing with the matter, and I would beg your pardon and request to please take your case back. I am a working woman to support my family, I cant afford any criminal offense, I ensure that it wont happen ever again, please withdraw the case.
I shall be very thankful to you for this act of kindness.

Kindly guide me

 

[island]

Are you sure?

I am very sure indeed.

 

[Ayesha01]

I am very sure indeed.

Thank you so much.
Kindly read the above written reply to them . And guide me please.

 

[Titfield]

Do you have someone who can help you rewrite this?

Your draft reply is a bit rambling and repetitive.

 

[Ayesha01]

Do you have someone who can help you rewrite this?

Your draft reply is a bit rambling and repetitive.

No i don't have. I am so scared. Please kindly guide me what to write?? Please

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 13 Apr 2025 ==

No i don't have. I am so scared. Please kindly guide me what to write?? Please

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 13 Apr 2025 ==

No i don't have. I am so scared. Please kindly guide me what to write?? Please

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 13 Apr 2025 ==

I don't have much time

 

[LYradial]

You must stop calling it a mistake, replace mistake with error of judgement or wrongful act. Leave out the embarrassment bit also

 

[Ayesha01]

You must stop calling it a mistake, replace mistake with error of judgement or wrongful act. Leave out the embarrassment bit also

Kindly have a look now.

I am writing with regards to reference xxxx. I got a letter in october, which I replied promptly, admitting my wrongful act and requesting for my plea to settle the matter out of court. I emailed again in three weeks to ask if you got my letter, which was responded to positively that it was received. Unfortunately, today, I received a somon from court stating that I need to appear in court on the 7th. I just want to say I have learnt a lot from my wrongful act I have never ever done this before, and I am truly apologising and ensuring that it won't happen ever again in my life. I am happily willing to pay the outstanding fare and the train Southeastern's administrative costs plus the courts fee in dealing with the matter, and I would beg your pardon and request to please take your case back. I am a working woman to support my family, I cant afford any criminal offense, I ensure that it wont happen ever again, please withdraw the case.
I shall be very thankful to you for this act of kindness.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 13 Apr 2025 ==

Kindly have a look now.

I am writing with regards to reference xxxx. I got a letter in october, which I replied promptly, admitting my wrongful act and requesting for my plea to settle the matter out of court. I emailed again in three weeks to ask if you got my letter, which was responded to positively that it was received. Unfortunately, today, I received a somon from court stating that I need to appear in court on the 7th. I just want to say I have learnt a lot from my wrongful act I have never ever done this before, and I am truly apologising and ensuring that it won't happen ever again in my life. I am happily willing to pay the outstanding fare and the train Southeastern's administrative costs plus the courts fee in dealing with the matter, and I would beg your pardon and request to please take your case back. I am a working woman to support my family, I cant afford any criminal offense, I ensure that it wont happen ever again, please withdraw the case.
I shall be very thankful to you for this act of kindness.

@Hadders

 

[30907]

I have suggested some alterations below. As Hadders indicates (did you actually search for his suggestions?), the company will not be interested in your personal circumstances.

I am writing with regards to reference xxxx.

I got a letter in october, which I replied promptly, admitting my wrongful act and requesting for my plea to settle the matter out of court. I emailed again in three weeks to ask if you got my letter, which was responded to positively that it was received. Unfortunately, today, I received a somon summons from court stating that I need to appear in court on the 7th  May.
I just want to say I have learnt a lot from my wrongful act I have never ever done this before, and I am truly apologising and ensuring that it won't happen ever again in my life.
I am happily willing to pay the outstanding fare and the train Southeastern's administrative costs plus the courts fee in dealing with the matter, and I would beg your pardon and request to please take your case back. I am a working woman to support my family, I cant afford any criminal offense, I ensure that it wont happen ever again, please withdraw the case.
I shall be very thankful to you for this act of kindness.

Also, "I have learnt a lot" - what, exactly?

 

[LYradial]

I have suggested some alterations below. As Hadders indicates (did you actually search for his suggestions?), the company will not be interested in your personal circumstances.

Also, "I have learnt a lot" - what, exactly?

How about. I have learnt just how serious this action was, I have never done this before……


with that replacement I would send it off, to me it reads genuine now, others may still have ideas but send it asap

 

[Titfield]

A rewritten version for forum members to consider.

I am writing with regards to reference xxxx.

I received a letter from you in October 2024 regarding my failure to pay the correct fare. I replied promptly, admitted my wrong doing and asked to settle the matter out of court. Regrettably, today, I received a court summons stating that I must appear in court on 7th  May 2025.
Please may I add to my earlier response? I now know how serious this action was and that failing to pay the correct fare costs South Eastern considerable sums of money each year. I sincerely apologise for my error of judgement and assure you that I will always pay the correct fare in future.
I am willing to pay the outstanding fare and your administrative costs in dealing with the matter.
I would be most grateful if you would reconsider your decision and offer me an out of court settlement.
Thank you.

 

[Ayesha01]

How about. I have learnt just how serious this action was, I have never done this before……


with that replacement I would send it off, to me it reads genuine now, others may still have ideas but send it asap

Thank you so much for guiding me

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 13 Apr 2025 ==

A rewritten version for forum members to consider.

I am writing with regards to reference xxxx.

I received a letter from you in October 2024 regarding my failure to pay the correct fare. I replied promptly, admitted my wrong doing and asked to settle the matter out of court. Regrettably, today, I received a court summons stating that I must appear in court on 7th  May 2025.
Please may I add to my earlier response? I now know how serious this action was and that failing to pay the correct fare costs South Eastern considerable sums of money each year. I sincerely apologise for my error of judgement and assure you that I will always pay the correct fare in future.
I am willing to pay the outstanding fare and your administrative costs in dealing with the matter.
I would be most grateful if you would reconsider your decision and offer me an out of court settlement.
Thank you.

Thank you so much for the guidance i really appreciate.
Anything else i need to add kindling let me know. I'll write this and going to send it tomorrow.
Thanks once again to all who guided me.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 17 Apr 2025 ==

So, good news I have finally got an out of court settlement. Thank you so much for guiding me everyone.Can I pay from someone's account or should I have pay from my own? I am have some kinda problem with my account. Is it ok to pay from any other account??

 

[LYradial]

I think you should not describe it as a silly mistake, it was a deliberate act, rather replace the first sentence with: I now realise the seriousness of this error of judgement

 

[yule28465]

Did anything come out of this?

 

[Ayesha01]

They were ok to settle the matter out of court.
They sent me fine and paid it. Now matter is closed thankfully.

 

[30907]

They were ok to settle the matter out of court.
They sent me fine and paid it. Now matter is closed thankfully.

Thanks for the update - I notice, too, that it was resolved within a fortnight of your previous post.

 

[Ayesha01]

Yes thankfully. They responded positively within a day.