Prosecution letter reply help needed

[kayleeyeah01]

Hello, just seeing if anyone can give me some advice or pointers for filling out a reply to a potential prosecution letter

A few weeks ago I was stopped for not having the correct ticket, I had travelled further then I had bought the ticket from so I bought a ticket from gillingham to Chatham but I had travelled further, the lady took my details etc and said I will receive a letter to which I have, how do I respond to this letter? I would ideally like to settle it out of court,

The lady asked where I bought the ticket from which was train line and said they will check for previous tickets etc I have previously in the past bought tickets from a shorter distance but there are also tickets on there from where I’ve actually got on, I work in care so sometimes I’ve got on at different stops depending on area I’ve worked in will they look into this?

I’m grateful for any advice

Thank you ☺️

 

[Haywain]

how do I respond to this letter? I would ideally like to settle it out of court,

Post a copy of the letter, with your personal details redacted, and that will help us to provide advice.

The lady asked where I bought the ticket from which was train line and said they will check for previous tickets etc I have previously in the past bought tickets from a shorter distance but there are also tickets on there from where I’ve actually got on, I work in care so sometimes I’ve got on at different stops depending on area I’ve worked in will they look into this?

Yes, they will look into your purchase history.

 

[kayleeyeah01]

Here is the letter

 

[John R]

So the letter doesn't mention previous ticket purchases, so you are best advised to respond and only discuss the incident in question (but don't lie by saying, for example, that it was the first time you have done this).

You need to reply apologising for not having the correct ticket, promise not to do it again, and ask very nicely if they will consider an out of court settlement in lieu of prosecution. There are plenty of examples on this board if you look - try to avoid using AI to write it, as they tend to come across as insincere, and you need to convince the investigator that you mean what you say, and have made the effort to write your reply in your own words.

 

[30907]

You need to reply apologising for not having the correct ticket, promise not to do it again, and ask very nicely if they will consider an out of court settlement in lieu of prosecution. There are plenty of examples on this board if you look

Specifically, search for posts by Hadders for pointers.
And if they then challenge you about journeys that are legit, reply truthfully and they will usually amend the settlement offer downwards.

 

[kayleeyeah01]

Dear Southeastern Debt Recovery & Prosecutions Manager,



Ref:



I am writing in response to your letter dated 28 July 2025 concerning the incident on the 11th june 2025, where I was questioned by a member of rail staff for Southeastern regarding travelling without a valid ticket,



I foolishly purchased a single ticket from gillingham to chatham instead of for the full journey from sheerness-on-sea I fully acknowledge that this was wrong and deeply regret my stupid actions. The potential for prosecution has made me seriously consider the results of my actions and I sincerely apologise for any financial loss or administrative trouble you may have experienced. I now understand the impact fare evasion has on the railway industry and regret my actions deeply.



This experience has been a wake-up call for me, and I can assure you I will never do this again. Following this incident, I have never repeated the foolish actions I made, and I will continue to ensure I am always travelling with a valid and appropriate ticket for all of my journeys.



I am fully committed to acting responsibly going forward and hope this matter can be resolved without court proceedings. I would be extremely grateful if you would consider settling this matter out of court by allowing me to cover all fees, including any administrative costs you may have incurred that you deem appropriate in order to resolve this issue without further legal action.



Once again, I offer my sincere apologies and assure you that this will not happen again. Thank you for considering my response. I look forward to your response.



Yours faithfully,

Kaylee





Is this ok for a reply??

Thank you

 

[Islineclear3_1]

Dear Southeastern Debt Recovery & Prosecutions Manager,

Ref:

I am writing in response to your letter dated 28 July 2025 concerning the incident on the 11th june 2025, where I was questioned by a member of rail staff for Southeastern regarding travelling without a valid ticket,

I foolishly purchased a single ticket from gillingham to chatham instead of for the full journey from sheerness-on-sea I fully acknowledge that this was wrong and deeply regret my stupid actions. The potential for prosecution has made me seriously consider the results of my actions and I sincerely apologise for any financial loss or administrative trouble you may have experienced. I now understand the impact fare evasion has on the railway industry and regret my actions deeply.

This experience has been a wake-up call for me, and I can assure you I will never do this again. Following this incident, I have never repeated the foolish actions I made, and I will continue to ensure I am always travelling with a valid and appropriate ticket for all of my journeys.

I am fully committed to acting responsibly going forward and hope this matter can be resolved without court proceedings. I would be extremely grateful if you would consider settling this matter out of court by allowing me to cover all fees, including any administrative costs you may have incurred that you deem appropriate in order to resolve this issue without further legal action.

Once again, I offer my sincere apologies and assure you that this will not happen again. Thank you for considering my response. I look forward to your response.



Yours faithfully,

Kaylee





Is this ok for a reply??

Thank you

Welcome to the forum. It's a pretty decent response but I would take out the last two sentences. You really need to keep this out of court, esp. as you work in care

 

[kayleeyeah01]

Welcome to the forum. It's a pretty decent response but I would take out the last two sentences. You really need to keep this out of court, esp. as you work in care

What two sentences sorry? And should I put that I work in care in there

Thank you ☺️

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 3 Aug 2025 ==

What two sentences sorry? And should I put that I work in care in there

Thank you ☺️

Sorry I see the sentences you crossed off

 

[Islineclear3_1]

No worries. No, I wouldn't put that you work in care. The Prosecutions team really wouldn't care where you work

 

[kayleeyeah01]

No worries. No, I wouldn't put that you work in care. The Prosecutions team really wouldn't care where you work

I’m going to email them, would I still need to send over my full address name occupational and NI number?

 

[Islineclear3_1]

I’m going to email them, would I still need to send over my full address name occupational and NI number?

You should send by post as well. Don't give them any details about your occupation - or your NI number! You don't want to assist the enemy...

 

[kayleeyeah01]

So I emailed them yesterday and this is the reply I got back today? Do I just wait now for another email?

 

[AlterEgo]

So I emailed them yesterday and this is the reply I got back today? Do I just wait now for another email?

Basically, yes. It's a holding response.

 

[kayleeyeah01]

Basically, yes. It's a holding response.

Ok thank you, I’ve yet to send a written response or do I just leave it now that I have acknowledgment of the email