Out of Court settlement

[lazybrownfox]

Hello everyone,

I am writing on here to ask for some advice, yesterday I was stopped for having an incorrect ticket. What had happened was I got on the train at Huntingdon and was travelling to Finsbury Park, however I didn’t buy a ticket until I saw the ticket officer on the train at which point I bought a ticket from Stevenage to Finsbury Park, she saw that I had only bought the ticket a few minutes ago and took my details. However, when the ticket officer asked me questions I stupidly lied and told her I got on at Stevenage where a guard let me through, and then I bought a ticket on the train. I am completely mortified that I have got myself into and cannot believe how stupid I have been this situation and I have read from other threads that I am likely to receive a notice of prosecution, should I write to them to inform them that the information I have was false or do I wait for them to contact me?

Also what are they chances of opting for an out of court settlement if I comply completely with them and offer to pay for any fines or charges?

Sorry for the long post I am really really anxious about this and want to know the best way to proceed

 

[30907]

Hello everyone,

I am writing on here to ask for some advice, yesterday I was stopped for having an incorrect ticket. What had happened was I got on the train at Huntingdon and was travelling to Finsbury Park, however I didn’t buy a ticket until I saw the ticket officer on the train at which point I bought a ticket from Stevenage to Finsbury Park, she saw that I had only bought the ticket a few minutes ago and took my details. However, when the ticket officer asked me questions I stupidly lied and told her I got on at Stevenage where a guard let me through, and then I bought a ticket on the train. I am completely mortified that I have got myself into and cannot believe how stupid I have been this situation and I have read from other threads that I am likely to receive a notice of prosecution, should I write to them to inform them that the information I have was false or do I wait for them to contact me?

Also what are they chances of opting for an out of court settlement if I comply completely with them and offer to pay for any fines or charges?

Sorry for the long post I am really really anxious about this and want to know the best way to proceed

If they have yourcorrect contact details, then wait for them to contact you. It may be some time though.

GTR are 99% certain to agree to an out of court settlement if you engage with them, and they don't charge as much as most train companies for admin costs either. They normally ask for the Anytime Single fare in full.

The only thing to be aware of is that the may look at your ticketing history and query anything that looks suspicious (for example, previous short fares) and ask you for more than the one fare. So look at your own records and decide what they might find.

 

[jfollows]

Wait for them to contact you, provided you gave them correct contact details.
It will be weeks.
Please read https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/please-read-before-posting-in-disputes-prosecutions.77759/ and post as requested here; there may be mistakes in what you have received.
If not, if you apologise and offer to pay unpaid fees plus their investigation costs they will usually settle.

 

[lazybrownfox]

If they have yourcorrect contact details, then wait for them to contact you. It may be some time though.

GTR are 99% certain to agree to an out of court settlement if you engage with them, and they don't charge as much as most train companies for admin costs either. They normally ask for the Anytime Single fare in full.

The only thing to be aware of is that the may look at your ticketing history and query anything that looks suspicious (for example, previous short fares) and ask you for more than the one fare. So look at your own records and decide what they might find.

Hello there thank you for your reply, I did a similar thing the day before and a few days over Christmas, however if they look through my history they will see a long list of tickets I have paid for in full over the years, not sure if that helps but it’s true, i will go through and check my history to make it completely transparent about my actions, and i will happily pay any fees that are outstanding

 

[Mattplans]

The only thing to be aware of is that the may look at your ticketing history and query anything that looks suspicious (for example, previous short fares) and ask you for more than the one fare. So look at your own records and decide what they might find.

In one recent case, GTR even charged the respondent for journeys that took place with other train companies so it's important you look through this.

Also, if you have applied any discounts/railcards to these tickets this could also get you into some bother if you can't prove you were entitled to such discounts. Short faring is slightly harder for them to prove after-the-fact (especially when not on their network), but they can definitely ask you to produce evidence of a railcard and charge you no matter what company you used.

Did you have a railcard discount on the ticket you presented during the inspection?

 

[lazybrownfox]

In one recent case, GTR even charged the respondent for journeys that took place with other train companies so it's important you look through this.

Also, if you have applied any discounts/railcards to these tickets this could also get you into some bother if you can't prove you were entitled to such discounts. Short faring is slightly harder for them to prove after-the-fact (especially when not on their network), but they can definitely ask you to produce evidence of a railcard and charge you no matter what company you used.

Did you have a railcard discount on the ticket you presented during the inspection?

I did have a railcard discount but I do have a valid railcard, i understand I will have to pay any short fares in full with no discount, but I shouldn’t get penalised for having the railcard right?

 

[blimmo]

They won't ask you to pay for journeys again where you already bought a valid ticket. If the previous tickets were discounted with a railcard they might ask you to prove you had a railcard at the time. They may calculate the settlement using the value of the anytime single fare with no railcard discount for the journey you were caught on and any others where you didn't have a valid ticket.

 

[WesternLancer]

I did have a railcard discount but I do have a valid railcard, i understand I will have to pay any short fares in full with no discount, but I shouldn’t get penalised for having the railcard right?

I think most of your original questions have already been answered, but in case it helps here is a copy of the general advice often given on this site that may help you prepare for the next steps:



Firstly, you committed a criminal offence by travelling with an invalid ticket and railway companies are entitled to prosecute you in the Magistrates Court if they want to. The good news is they will normally offer an out of court settlement to people who co-operate with them and who haven't come to their attention before.

Next, what happens is the railway company will write to you. The letter will go to the address that you gave them / on any of your ID they checked so you need to be able to access hard copy post at that address as they often send things that way (but also check e-mail and spam). It is extremely important that you reply, and you'll only have a limited time to do so (often 14 days from the date on their communication).

When you receive the letter post a redacted copy of it in this thread, along with your draft reply and forum members will proof read it for you. You'll find lots of example letters you can use in this section of the forum but the reply basically needs to mention:

- That you are sorry for what has happened
- What you have learned from the incident and will not do this again
- That you are keen to settle the matter without the need for court action
- Offer to pay the outstanding fare and the railway company’s administrative costs in dealing with the matter

The railway will probably offer you an out of court settlement. Expect to have to pay the cost of the fare for the journey you made at the full Anytime rate with no credit given for the invalid ticket you purchased. In addition they will charge an admin fee, typically £150. They will also audit your online ticket purchase history and if this shows you've purchased other tickets that were not valid (eg railcard discounted tickets when you did not have a valid railcard, or tickets for only part of the journey, or tickets bought after boarding the train you travelled on ) they will probably factor the cost of these journeys into the settlement offer. Depending on how many journeys you've made over the period concerned this could end up being expensive.

Settlements usually have to be paid in full within a few days of them being offered so if money is tight you might want to think about how you will raise the sum required at short notice.

 

[Mattplans]

I shouldn’t get penalised for having the railcard right?

Only if you used it when you weren't entitled to do so.

They might ask for evidence of your railcard (which you have - great!) and scrutinise to see if you had purchased a ticket with a railcard when it had expired or before you got the railcard, or applied the wrong discount etc. If you didn't do any of this, nothing to worry about but I would double-check.

The next letter you will receive from GTR will be a "Notice of Intention to Prosecute", when this letter arrives you will explain - with support from the forum, of course - what happened and if all goes well they should agree to an out of court settlement. GTR seem to have a huge backlog, so be aware it might be a while before you receive the letter. They have 6 months to bring prosecution against you, if it exceeds this time then they lose the leverage of prosecution, but it probably will not take that long.

Assuming there are no issues with ticket validity on your other purchases, then they will just charge you the Anytime Single fare for the journey in addition to some other admin charges etc.

GTR = Govia Thameslink Railway = The company that runs Great Northern and Thameslink trains

Don't let this situation stress you too much - if you follow advice from the forum, and provided you didn't punch the inspector or anything - GTR are generally happy to agree to out of court settlements. Please look out for this letter and come back to the forum once you receive it. As said above, upload a redacted copy of it and we will help you draft a reply. If you are going to continue purchasing tickets using an online retailer, ensure that you are purchasing the correct tickets and there are no added discounts you are not entitled to. By the time they get round to your case if you've continued to purchase tickets online that are the right fare it works in your favour as it shows you've stopped short-faring.

 

[z444z]

It will be weeks.

GTR seem to currently be working on cases from early-mid October, so it’s likely to be 3-4 months, not weeks. Although 3-4 months is still weeks. Just quite a lot of them.

 

[WesternLancer]

GTR seem to currently be working on cases from early-mid October, so it’s likely to be 3-4 months, not weeks. Although 3-4 months is still weeks. Just quite a lot of them.

yes - another thread updated here with the OP posting a handy timeline in their most recent post - includes sum requested @lazybrownfox may wish to read the thread

Just looking for advice on imminent Notice of Intended Prosecution

Yes certainly don’t go to all the effort drafting one guys! I’ll do so tomorrow and post it and then some of the more informed can pick it apart. I get what you all mean about it being a complex case, unfortunately my own carelessness has made it all the more difficult! For what it’s worth...

www.railforums.co.uk

22nd Sept: Incident occurred
31st Dec: Letter dated from Govia / GTR – received around 2 Jan 2026.
12th Jan '26: Reply sent 1st class, arrived 13th.
16th Jan: Reply dated by Govia, received today 19th Jan.

 

[lazybrownfox]

Hello everybody, thank you all for your efforts in replying to me and helping ease my mind, I now realise the seriousness of my situation and I will never be making this mistake again, I will do as advised and wait for GTR to contact me at which point I will post again here,

Thank you again to all who replied it is greatly appreciated

 

[lazybrownfox]

Hello Everyone,

I have received my letter of intent to prosecute and was just looking for some advice of what to reply,

I am going to write that I am incredibly sorry that I have done this and I fully understand the impact my actions have on the railway industry, I will ensure I will never do this again and I wish to keep this matter out of court.

As I said in a previous reply there have been a few occasions where this has happened before, I was wondering how should I mention this in the letter? Do I reference specific times or just leave it at a general?

And also, is it worth mentioning that since the incident happened I have always traveled with a valid ticket? Or would that be self explanatory to them

Many thanks for all your help

 

[jfollows]

Do not incriminate yourself, simply answer the questions you are asked.

 

[Elecman]

Hello Everyone,

I have received my letter of intent to prosecute and was just looking for some advice of what to reply,

I am going to write that I am incredibly sorry that I have done this and I fully understand the impact my actions have on the railway industry, I will ensure I will never do this again and I wish to keep this matter out of court.

As I said in a previous reply there have been a few occasions where this has happened before, I was wondering how should I mention this in the letter? Do I reference specific times or just leave it at a general?

And also, is it worth mentioning that since the incident happened I have always traveled with a valid ticket? Or would that be self explanatory to them

Many thanks for all your help

Only answer any questions they ask about do not mention the other occasions unless they ask about them but do not lie by making out this is your only transgression as that destroys your credibility when they do check your purchasing history

 

[WesternLancer]

Hello Everyone,

I have received my letter of intent to prosecute and was just looking for some advice of what to reply,

I am going to write that I am incredibly sorry that I have done this and I fully understand the impact my actions have on the railway industry, I will ensure I will never do this again and I wish to keep this matter out of court.

As I said in a previous reply there have been a few occasions where this has happened before, I was wondering how should I mention this in the letter? Do I reference specific times or just leave it at a general?

And also, is it worth mentioning that since the incident happened I have always traveled with a valid ticket? Or would that be self explanatory to them

Many thanks for all your help

You can use a phrase like ‘I apologise for what has happened and I deeply regret this’

That could mean one incident or multiple incidents you are sorry about. It is then up to them to check for records of multiple occasions. If they do they might then ask you more about that later. But if they are not asking you about them now (do carefully check the letter you have received recently), as others said above, don’t volunteer it in your reply now. Although doing so would probably just result in them asking you for more money.

 

[lazybrownfox]

You can use a phrase like ‘I apologise for what has happened and I deeply regret this’

That could mean one incident or multiple incidents you are sorry about. It is then up to them to check for records of multiple occasions. If they do they might then ask you more about that later. But if they are not asking you about them now (do carefully check the letter you have received recently), as others said above, don’t volunteer it in your reply now. Although doing so would probably just result in them asking you for more money.

Okay, I won’t volunteer the information but I won’t say it is my first time ever doing this,

Also just curious, how would they check my previous purchasing history ?

 

[Fawkes Cat]

Also just curious, how would they check my previous purchasing history ?

If you buy online, then the railway can ask Trainline etc. for details of your journey. You should also bear in mind that deleting your Trainline etc. account doesn't make the data go away, although it will stop *you* seeing it. So don't go deleting your accounts!

If you buy at a ticket office or machine and pay by card, this is also theoretically traceable.

 

[John R]

Okay, I won’t volunteer the information but I won’t say it is my first time ever doing this,

Also just curious, how would they check my previous purchasing history ?

They will ask Trainline (or whoever you use) for your purchasing history.

 

[SECR 65]

If you're unsure what to write, look at other GTR notice of intent to prosecute threads and you'll soon notice a pattern of what letters are commonly advised to contain. Sounds like you have the right idea.

 

[lazybrownfox]

If you're unsure what to write, look at other GTR notice of intent to prosecute threads and you'll soon notice a pattern of what letters are commonly advised to contain. Sounds like you have the right idea.

If you're unsure what to write, look at other GTR notice of intent to prosecute threads and you'll soon notice a pattern of what letters are commonly advised to contain. Sounds like you have the right idea.

This is my draft response: the part in italics I’m not sure about whether to include or not.




Dear GTR Team



I am writing this letter as a response to the Intention to Prosecute letter I received on the 17 April regarding an incident that took place on the 19 Jan 2026. Reference: Blank





I told the officer that I was travelling from Stevenage to Finsbury Park, however this was not true, In a moment of panic I stupidly lied and my true journey was from Huntingdon to Finsbury Park





I would like to sincerely apologise for my actions, since the incident has taken place I have fully understood that I was wrong and how my actions affect not only the railway system itself but also other passengers and I can assure you that this will never happen again. I am more than happy to pay any outstanding fees and I am eager to keep this matter out of court.



Yours



Blank

 

[WesternLancer]

This is my draft response: the part in italics I’m not sure about whether to include or not.




Dear GTR Team



I am writing this letter as a response to the Intention to Prosecute letter I received on the 17 April regarding an incident that took place on the 19 Jan 2026. Reference: Blank





I told the officer that I was travelling from Stevenage to Finsbury Park, however this was not true, In a moment of panic I stupidly lied and my true journey was from Huntingdon to Finsbury Park





I would like to sincerely apologise for my actions, since the incident has taken place I have fully understood that I was wrong and how my actions affect not only the railway system itself but also other passengers and I can assure you that this will never happen again. I am more than happy to pay any outstanding fees and I am eager to keep this matter out of court.



Yours



Blank

I think this could do with a bit of adjustment tho all the basics are there
Happy to make some suggestions in the morning.

What date does your response need to be back with GTR?

Presumably you have received the standard letter often seen on here? If so that requests a response by post usually in hard copy - if that is the case you need to factor in the time it will take to reach them (you should send it back tracked postage from a post office so you know it reached them).

 

[lazybrownfox]

I think this could do with a bit of adjustment tho all the basics are there
Happy to make some suggestions in the morning.

What date does your response need to be back with GTR?

Presumably you have received the standard letter often seen on here? If so that requests a response by post usually in hard copy - if that is the case you need to factor in the time it will take to reach them (you should send it back tracked postage from a post office so you know it reached them).

This is the letter i received, and thank you for any help you can give

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 21 Apr 2026 ==

If there is any further advice anyone can give it would be greatly appreciated, I know I have some time but I would rather get it done sooner rather than later if at all possible

 

[SECR 65]

Dear GTR Team

I am writing this letter as a response to the Intention to Prosecute letter I received on the 17 April regarding an incident that took place on the 19 Jan 2026. Reference: Blank

I told the officer that I was travelling from Stevenage to Finsbury Park, however this was not true, In a moment of panic I stupidly lied and my true journey was from Huntingdon to Finsbury Park

I would suggest that you describe this as an "error of judgement" rather than "stupidly lying"

I would like to sincerely apologise for my actions, since the incident has taken place I have fully understood that I was wrong and how my actions affect not only the railway system itself but also other passengers and I can assure you that this will never happen again. I am more than happy to pay any outstanding fees and I am eager to keep this matter out of court.

Often others in their letters say that they will always ensure that they purchase the correct ticket for their journey before travel in future.

Fundamentally, although I am not much of an expert, this letter looks good, and GTR should be happy to settle out of court.

 

[lazybrownfox]

Thank you for your response I Will make a few adjustments and say I will ensure to always have a valid ticket before boarding

 

[WesternLancer]

This is the letter i received, and thank you for any help you can give

Thanks for uploading these - so letter date is 17 April and you have 14 days to get it back to them. You should use 'Tracked 48 postage' from a post office so you can be sure it was delivered correctly - ideally posting it on or before 27th April

The letter they have sent is the standard one we usually see on here as far as I can see.

Some suggested amends to your draft below for you to consider. You should check this to
a) ensure you are comfortable with the wording of what you send
b) most importantly that it is all all true. It's vital that you do not lie
c) that you will indeed do what the draft says you will do - ie always buy the correct ticket before boarding and not do what you did again (if any doubt about this do not say it)

You can type up, print and attach your reply to what you send them (and if so be sure to write 'see attached response' on anything you complete from them that you send back) and make sure your ref number is on every page.

Keep a copy of every page you send to GTR

I hope these amends (both strikethroughs and suggested additions are clear) - you have time to wait 24 hours before getting this in the post in case anyone else here has other suggestions on the draft response - which I have made suggested amends to as below.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ensure your name and address are stated on your letter


Dear GTR Fare Evasion Manager Team

Your Reference: [insert the case ref number here]

I am writing this letter as a response to your the Intention to Prosecute letter dated 17 April I received on the 17 April regarding an incident that took place on the 19 January 2026. Reference: Blank

When I was questioned by a member of railway staff, my journey was from Huntingdon to Finsbury Park. Unfortunately I initially stated I was travelling from Stevenage to Finsbury Park. In a moment of panic I stupidly lied did not tell the truth. This was an error of judgment on my part and I apologise for what has happened and I deeply regret this.

I told the officer that I was travelling from Stevenage to Finsbury Park, however this was not true, and my true journey was from Huntingdon to Finsbury Park

Following receipt of your letter I would like to say that I fully understand that I was wrong to do this, the seriousness of the consequences of this for me personally, and how my actions affect not only the railway system itself but also other passengers.

I can assure you that this will never happen again, and I will ensure that I will always have a valid ticket for my journey before boarding the train in future.

I would be very grateful if you would be prepared to let me settle this matter without the need for court action.

I am more than happy to pay any fare owed along with your costs of investigating this and I would pay promptly and in full. fees and I am eager to keep this matter out of court.

I would like to sincerely apologise for my actions, since the incident has taken place I have fully understood that I was wrong and and

Yours faithfully

Sign and print name

 

[lazybrownfox]

Thanks for uploading these - so letter date is 17 April and you have 14 days to get it back to them. You should use 'Tracked 48 postage' from a post office so you can be sure it was delivered correctly - ideally posting it on or before 27th April

The letter they have sent is the standard one we usually see on here as far as I can see.

Some suggested amends to your draft below for you to consider. You should check this to
a) ensure you are comfortable with the wording of what you send
b) most importantly that it is all all true. It's vital that you do not lie
c) that you will indeed do what the draft says you will do - ie always buy the correct ticket before boarding and not do what you did again (if any doubt about this do not say it)

You can type up, print and attach your reply to what you send them (and if so be sure to write 'see attached response' on anything you complete from them that you send back) and make sure your ref number is on every page.

Keep a copy of every page you send to GTR

I hope these amends (both strikethroughs and suggested additions are clear) - you have time to wait 24 hours before getting this in the post in case anyone else here has other suggestions on the draft response - which I have made suggested amends to as below.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ensure your name and address are stated on your letter


Dear GTR Fare Evasion Manager Team

Your Reference: [insert the case ref number here]

I am writing this letter as a response to your the Intention to Prosecute letter dated 17 April I received on the 17 April regarding an incident that took place on the 19 January 2026. Reference: Blank

When I was questioned by a member of railway staff, my journey was from Huntingdon to Finsbury Park. Unfortunately I initially stated I was travelling from Stevenage to Finsbury Park. In a moment of panic I stupidly lied did not tell the truth. This was an error of judgment on my part and I apologise for what has happened and I deeply regret this.

I told the officer that I was travelling from Stevenage to Finsbury Park, however this was not true, and my true journey was from Huntingdon to Finsbury Park

Following receipt of your letter I would like to say that I fully understand that I was wrong to do this, the seriousness of the consequences of this for me personally, and how my actions affect not only the railway system itself but also other passengers.

I can assure you that this will never happen again, and I will ensure that I will always have a valid ticket for my journey before boarding the train in future.

I would be very grateful if you would be prepared to let me settle this matter without the need for court action.

I am more than happy to pay any fare owed along with your costs of investigating this and I would pay promptly and in full. fees and I am eager to keep this matter out of court.

I would like to sincerely apologise for my actions, since the incident has taken place I have fully understood that I was wrong and and

Yours faithfully

Sign and print name

Thank you again for you help and contribution, I will write up another draft and aim to post it on Friday, I will post back again when I get a response

 

[WesternLancer]

Thank you again for you help and contribution, I will write up another draft and aim to post it on Friday, I will post back again when I get a response

Sounds like a decent plan

 

[lazybrownfox]

This is my most recent draft that I aim to post,

Dear GTR Fare Evasion Manager



Reference:



I am writing this letter as a response to the Intention to Prosecute dated 17 April regarding an incident that took place on the 19 Jan 2026.



When I was questioned by a member of railway staff, my journey was from Huntingdon to Finsbury Park. Unfortunately I initially stated I was travelling from Stevenage to Finsbury Park. In a moment of panic I stupidly did not tell the truth. This was an error of judgment on my part and I apologise for what has happened and I deeply regret this.



Following receipt of your letter I would like to say that I fully understand that I was wrong to do this, the seriousness of the consequences of this for me personally, and how my actions affect not only the railway system itself but also other passengers.



I can assure you that this will never happen again and going forward I will ensure that I always have a valid ticket for my journey before boarding the train.



I would be very grateful if you would be prepared to let me settle this matter without the need of court action.



I am more than happy to pay any fare owed along with your investigation costs, I would pay promptly and in full.





Yours faithfully,



Blank


Any further advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated

 

[WesternLancer]

This is my most recent draft that I aim to post,

Dear GTR Fare Evasion Manager



Reference:



I am writing this letter as a response to the Intention to Prosecute dated 17 April regarding an incident that took place on the 19 Jan 2026.



When I was questioned by a member of railway staff, my journey was from Huntingdon to Finsbury Park. Unfortunately I initially stated I was travelling from Stevenage to Finsbury Park. In a moment of panic I stupidly did not tell the truth. This was an error of judgment on my part and I apologise for what has happened and I deeply regret this.



Following receipt of your letter I would like to say that I fully understand that I was wrong to do this, the seriousness of the consequences of this for me personally, and how my actions affect not only the railway system itself but also other passengers.



I can assure you that this will never happen again and going forward I will ensure that I always have a valid ticket for my journey before boarding the train.



I would be very grateful if you would be prepared to let me settle this matter without the need of court action.



I am more than happy to pay any fare owed along with your investigation costs, I would pay promptly and in full.





Yours faithfully,



Blank


Any further advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated

Looks OK
when you post it remember to send it tracked postage from a post office and keep the proof of the tracking so you know if and when it was delivered.
Tracked 48 is cheaper and should suffice depending on the deadline to get it back to them

You'll need to get it to a post office by about 3.30pm (or 10.30am on a Saturday) to get it on its way that day

Keep a copy of everything (ie take a picture of every page you send them)