Caught avoiding train fare for a second time

[helpme2000]

This morning I was caught not having a valid ticket while travelling from London bridge to Brighton. I was previously caught a few months ago not having a ticket travelling from Brighton to London bridge. I know this is very stupid and I should've learned. I'm quite stressed about the consequences. What should I do upon receiving the letter and what are the chances I have to go to court. Appreciate any help.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 28 Apr 2025 ==

I received a penalty fare last time on the train and paid it within 21 days. These were both on Thameslink trains.

 

[notmyrealname]

Hi, welcome to the forum.

I'm sure the forum pros will be here later to advise. My comments as a non-pro are that when you get the letter you can post it here together with your draft reply and people will proofread it for you.

Plus, and you possibly know this already, you need to be squeaky clean from now on and pay the right fare.

 

[the train dude]

Not to scare you, but since this is your second offence and you didn’t learn from the first incident, it’s quite likely that they may decide to prosecute you. However, you could still be lucky and be offered a warning or an opportunity to settle out of court. I suggest you wait for the letter to arrive first — it will usually invite you to explain your side of the story. When you respond, be honest, apologetic, and show that you are willing to cover any reasonable costs to settle the matter without court action. If they agree, you can avoid prosecution and a criminal record. If they do proceed with prosecution, you will receive a letter from the magistrates' court asking you to plead guilty or not guilty. If you plead guilty, you normally do not need to attend court, and the case will be handled in your absence. If you plead not guilty, you will be required to attend court for a trial. Stay calm for now and deal with any letters quickly and professionally — there’s still a good chance you can keep this from escalating further.

 

[John R]

Did you have any ticket? Maybe you were “ short faring” or “doughnutting” (buying a short ticket either end and leaving a hole in the middle).

If you presented any e-ticket then you expect them to review your account for any other suspicious transactions, and build the correct date for those journeys into any settlement offer they make you to avoid prosecution.

 

[Haywain]

What should I do upon receiving the letter and what are the chances I have to go to court.

When you receive the letter you should respond to it with an apology and giving an assurance that this will not be happening again; you can also ask if they will consider an out of court settlement. I would expect that they will offer a settlement although they may indicate a wish to discuss the matter with you first. The Penalty Fare won't do anything to help your situation but neither is it likely to result in you being prosecuted without an opportunity to make representations.

 

[helpme2000]

Not to scare you, but since this is your second offence and you didn’t learn from the first incident, it’s quite likely that they may decide to prosecute you. However, you could still be lucky and be offered a warning or an opportunity to settle out of court. I suggest you wait for the letter to arrive first — it will usually invite you to explain your side of the story. When you respond, be honest, apologetic, and show that you are willing to cover any reasonable costs to settle the matter without court action. If they agree, you can avoid prosecution and a criminal record. If they do proceed with prosecution, you will receive a letter from the magistrates' court asking you to plead guilty or not guilty. If you plead guilty, you normally do not need to attend court, and the case will be handled in your absence. If you plead not guilty, you will be required to attend court for a trial. Stay calm for now and deal with any letters quickly and professionally — there’s still a good chance you can keep this from escalating further.

Ok, thanks for your help. I'll make sure to come back to this thread for help when I receive the letter.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 28 Apr 2025 ==

Did you have any ticket? Maybe you were “ short faring” or “doughnutting” (buying a short ticket either end and leaving a hole in the middle).

If you presented any e-ticket then you expect them to review your account for any other suspicious transactions, and build the correct date for those journeys into any settlement offer they make you to avoid prosecution.

I bought a ticket while I was on the train. I have been 'doughnutting' a few times, so I'll make sure to include that. Thanks for your help.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 28 Apr 2025 ==

When you receive the letter you should respond to it with an apology and giving an assurance that this will not be happening again; you can also ask if they will consider an out of court settlement. I would expect that they will offer a settlement although they may indicate a wish to discuss the matter with you first. The Penalty Fare won't do anything to help your situation but neither is it likely to result in you being prosecuted without an opportunity to make representations.

Great thanks for your help.