Caught without ticket and gave wrong Name, DOB and Address - please help

[tokenturing]

Dear forum,

On the 3rd of September I was stopped by an inspector and bought a ticket while they were in the carriage. This was flagged by the system and my details were taken, including a picture of the ticket that I purchased while on the train (linked to my Uber account). I gave the incorrect first name, correct surname, incorrect DOB (correct day, incorrect month, correct year) and the wrong address (a few doors down from my actual address). I am a student and for the last few weeks before I got caught had been doughnutting my journeys (in total 6 doghnutted journeys). The situation is complicated by the fact that I have bought all past and subsequent tickets with a 26-30 railcard - I do have a valid railcard however the name on my railcard is my correct name and doesnt match with the first name I provided to the inspector.

I would like to correct my details as I am unable to access the incorrect address easily. Additionally I would like to settle out of court.

I understand that I shouldnt have done this and ever since have purchased the correct tickets. I have not received any letter yet as I understand there is a large backlog, but have written a draft letter to the Prosecutions Department of Govia Thameselink Railway to send soon and would be grateful for any feedback and thoughts on the following especially with regards to the advice to not incriminate onself:
1. admitting to giving the incorrect details (should I just mention that my address has changed with immediate effect)
2. whether or not I should incriminate myself at this stage by owning up to the other dodged fares (which I am sure they could easily track on my uber account but again have been advised to not incriminate myself and can always admit in future correspondence)
3. whether or not I need to include the reference to the railcard (and thus the need to correct my first name) as all penalty fares will be full price anyway.

Thanks in advance


Prosecutions Department
Eastside Offices
Kings Cross Railway Station
London
N1C 4АX

5th October 2025

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing in response to the incident that took place on 03 September 2025 at London London Kings Cross Station - Reference GTREMGXXXXXXX

I want to begin by taking full responsibility for my actions. I did not purchase a valid ticket for my journey in advance. This was a serious lapse in judgment on my part, and I now understand the importance of paying the correct fare before boarding the train and following the rules. I fully appreciate the impact fare evasion has on the railway system and other passengers, and I sincerely regret contributing to that problem.

My correct contact details are:
Name: XXXXXXXX
DOB: XXXXXXXXX
Address: I have moved to XXXXXXXXXXX with immediate effect for future correspondence

Since the incident I have ensured to purchase tickets prior to boarding and have used my 26-30 railcard (No. 09XXXXXXXXX).

I am willing to cooperate with your investigation and kindly request that you consider allowing me to settle this matter without further proceedings to court. I am happy to pay any fare owed along with any administrative costs in dealing with the matter.

Thank you for taking the time to read my response
Sincerely,
XXXXXXX

 

[MarlowDonkey]

The response usually given by the forum is that you just do enough to receive correspondence, so give them the reference and your correct name, address and date of birth. Wait to see what they accuse you of before admitting to it.

 

[tokenturing]

Understood, thank you. If you are happy to do so, I would be grateful for any feedback on the draft.

 

[furlong]

Address: I have moved to XXXXXXXXXXX with immediate effect for future correspondence

Based on what you told us, isn't that a lie? You haven't "moved", have you?
Do not lie if you're hoping for a settlement!

 

[Elecman]

Be honest and don’t lie in any correspondence you send them if you want to maximise your chance of avoiding prosecution and conviction

 

[John R]

Given this happened over a month ago I would email gtr.prosecutions@gtrailway.com
Quoting the reference number, note that you gave incorrect information, give the correct details, and leave it at that. Maybe finish by saying “I await further correspondence with you in respect of this matter.”

That email address is very clearly not to be used for apologies, requests etc, and they state that any that do will be deleted, so best to leave all that until they contact you again.

 

[tokenturing]

Based on what you told us, isn't that a lie? You haven't "moved", have you?
Do not lie if you're hoping for a settlement!

I have now moved from that address (its a student accommodation address, and I have since moved elsewhere as of this weekend) so I thought it would be best to put down my family home address as my parents will be there to receive and forward to me.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 6 Oct 2025 ==

Given this happened over a month ago I would email gtr.prosecutions@gtrailway.com
Quoting the reference number, note that you gave incorrect information, give the correct details, and leave it at that. Maybe finish by saying “I await further correspondence with you in respect of this matter.”

That email address is very clearly not to be used for apologies, requests etc, and they state that any that do will be deleted, so best to leave all that until they contact you again.

How does this email sound - have kept it plain and simple without an apology.

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing in response to the incident that took place on 03 September 2025 at London London Kings Cross Station - Reference GTREMGXXXXXXX

My correct contact details for correspondence are:
Name: XXXXXXXX
DOB: XXXXXXXXX
Address: XXXXXXXXXXX with immediate effect

I await further correspondence with you in respect of this matter.

Sincerely,
XXXXXXX

 

[MikeWh]

Assuming your parents address is completely different to the one you gave (ie different town/area) it might be an idea to add a one line explainer that you've moved student accomodation but you'd like them to use your parents address as a reliable place to receive correspondance.

 

[John R]

I have now moved from that address (its a student accommodation address, and I have since moved elsewhere as of this weekend) so I thought it would be best to put down my family home address as my parents will be there to receive and forward to me.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 6 Oct 2025 ==


How does this email sound - have kept it plain and simple without an apology.

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing in response to the incident that took place on 03 September 2025 at London London Kings Cross Station - Reference GTREMGXXXXXXX

My correct contact details for correspondence are:
Name: XXXXXXXX
DOB: XXXXXXXXX
Address: XXXXXXXXXXX with immediate effect

I await further correspondence with you in respect of this matter.

Sincerely,
XXXXXXX

That seems fine to me.

 

[tokenturing]

Hi all thanks for your guidance. I have now (on Dec 22nd) after a lengthy delay received a letter from GTR.
Would like some further advice please on how to handle the letter. Just to give a recap of the situation now that the name and address change has been sorted:

1. I had stupidly and regrettably been "doghnutting" for a total of 9 journeys.
2. On a particular train I saw an inspector and bought a brand new train ticket while on the carriage with a 26-30 railcard (which was active and valid at the time); this turned out to be a train ticket valid for the next day and therefore got flagged by the inspector.
3. In the letter which is attached I have not been accused of anything beyond not having a valid ticket for the journey on the 3rd of September

If you are happy to provide some feedback, please could you let me know your thoughts on this draft response. In particular your thoughts on the following:

1. Whether or not I should incriminate myself at this stage by owning up to the other dodged fares (which I am sure they could easily track on my uber account but again have been advised to not incriminate myself and can always admit in future correspondence)

Draft:

27th December 2025

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing in response to the incident that took place on 03 September 2025 at London London Kings Cross Station - Reference GTREMGXXXXXXXX

I want to begin by taking full responsibility for my actions. I did not purchase a valid ticket for my journey in advance of boarding. This was a serious lapse in judgment on my part, and I now understand the importance of paying the correct fare before boarding the train and following the rules. I fully appreciate the impact fare evasion has on the railway system and other passengers, and I sincerely regret contributing to that problem.

Since the incident I have ensured to purchase tickets prior to boarding and have used my 26-30 railcard (No. XXXXXXXX). This railcard was also valid at the time of the incident and a copy of it is attached as requested.

I am willing to cooperate with your investigation and kindly request that you consider allowing me to settle this matter without further proceedings to court. I am happy to pay any fare owed along with any administrative costs in dealing with the matter.

Thank you for taking the time to read my response
Sincerely,
XXXXX

 

[z444z]

Your proposed response looks really good, I wouldn’t add or change anything.

Please wait for others to input too as they may have different opinions!

 

[MotCO]

Yes, your letter is good. Not too long, nor too short and covers all the essentials.

 

[tokenturing]

Thank you all; @MikeWh your input was helpful to get the name and address change, anything you would recommend here if you are happy to take a look. Thanks

 

[MikeWh]

I concur that the letter is very good. I don't think I'd change it.

 

[SuspectUsual]

Since the incident I have ensured to purchase tickets prior to boarding

One tiny grammatical point - should be either “I have ensured I purchased tickets” or “I have been sure to purchase tickets”.

But the substance of the letter is spot on

 

[WesternLancer]

Hi all thanks for your guidance. I have now (on Dec 22nd) after a lengthy delay received a letter from GTR.
Would like some further advice please on how to handle the letter. Just to give a recap of the situation now that the name and address change has been sorted:

1. I had stupidly and regrettably been "doghnutting" for a total of 9 journeys.
2. On a particular train I saw an inspector and bought a brand new train ticket while on the carriage with a 26-30 railcard (which was active and valid at the time); this turned out to be a train ticket valid for the next day and therefore got flagged by the inspector.
3. In the letter which is attached I have not been accused of anything beyond not having a valid ticket for the journey on the 3rd of September

If you are happy to provide some feedback, please could you let me know your thoughts on this draft response. In particular your thoughts on the following:

1. Whether or not I should incriminate myself at this stage by owning up to the other dodged fares (which I am sure they could easily track on my uber account but again have been advised to not incriminate myself and can always admit in future correspondence)

Draft:

27th December 2025

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing in response to the incident that took place on 03 September 2025 at London London Kings Cross Station - Reference GTREMGXXXXXXXX

I want to begin by taking full responsibility for my actions. I did not purchase a valid ticket for my journey in advance of boarding. This was a serious lapse in judgment on my part, and I now understand the importance of paying the correct fare before boarding the train and following the rules. I fully appreciate the impact fare evasion has on the railway system and other passengers, and I sincerely regret contributing to that problem.

Since the incident I have ensured to purchase tickets prior to boarding and have used my 26-30 railcard (No. XXXXXXXX). This railcard was also valid at the time of the incident and a copy of it is attached as requested.

I am willing to cooperate with your investigation and kindly request that you consider allowing me to settle this matter without further proceedings to court. I am happy to pay any fare owed along with any administrative costs in dealing with the matter.

Thank you for taking the time to read my response
Sincerely,
XXXXX

Post it tracked postage so you can provide receipt. Keep copies if everything sent and proof of delivery.

Last few days we’ve seen cases where it looks like replies have possibly been lost and court action commenced. So you need to guard against that.

Local post office can do tracking. You don’t need the more expensive guaranteed next day delivery imho.

 

[tokenturing]

Update & Help Requested
The above letter (accepting responsibility and offering to settle out of court) was received by Govia Thames Railway (GTR) by tracked delivery on the 28th of December 2026. I have only just heard back from GTR and have been issued with Single Justice Procedure Notice with 21 days to plead guilty or not. I have not received any acknowledgement of the letter I sent back at the end of December. Is it possible to settle out of court at this stage? If so please could you advise on how to go about doing this?

Here is a recap of the context:
1. I had stupidly and regrettably been "doghnutting" for a total of 9 journeys.
2. On a particular train I saw an inspector and bought a brand new train ticket while on the carriage with a 26-30 railcard (which was active and valid at the time); this turned out to be a train ticket valid for the next day and therefore got flagged by the inspector.
3. In the initial letter I have not been accused of anything beyond not having a valid ticket for the journey on the 3rd of September
4. I replied accepting responsibility and offering to cooperate and settle out of court

 

[Haywain]

Is it possible to settle out of court at this stage? If so please could you advise on how to go about doing this?

Yes, it's only too late when a case has actually gone to court. There seem to have been someproblems with GTR not seeing correspondence recently, so the immediate approach is probably to email them with a copy of your letter, noting that you have received a SJPN. The email address to use is gtr.prosecutions@gtrailway.com. GTR normally say that they do not accept letters by this means but we have seen that responses can be received for situations such as yours.

 

[z444z]

Just to add to the good advice above, I would say mark the email with URGENT at the start of the subject line, and if no response by Tuesday midday-ish I would also suggest sending GTR a letter, tracked 24 or special delivery, again asking to settle.

Don’t return the court papers until as late as possible, but make sure you don’t miss the deadline on them either.

 

[tokenturing]

Thank you @Haywain and @z444z for your advice. I have attached a draft email below and would be grateful for any feedback

Subject: URGENT: GTREMGXXXXXXXX

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing in response to the incident that occurred on September 3, 2025, at London Kings Cross Station (Reference GTREMGXXXXXXXX).

I received a Single Justice Procedure Notice on February 13, 2026. However, I sent a letter previously in response to earlier correspondence, accepting responsibility and offering to settle out of court. This letter was sent via Royal Mail Tracked Delivery with tracking reference XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX, and was delivered on December 30th. I suspect this letter has not been seen, as I have not received any correspondence referencing its receipt. The letter is attached to this email for your reference.

I fully accept responsibility for not purchasing a valid ticket in advance of boarding, and regret my actions. I am willing to cooperate fully with your investigation and kindly request that you consider allowing me to settle this matter without further proceedings to court. I am prepared to pay any fare owed, as well as any administrative costs incurred in dealing with this matter.

Best regards,

XXXXX

 

[z444z]

I’d suggest the subject might be best as something like “URGENT - SJPN RECEIVED” or “URGENT - REQUEST TO SETTLE” but others might have thoughts on this too.

Replace the word “offering” with the word “asking”.

Looks good to me otherwise.

 

[John R]

I would put URGENT - SJPN RECEIVED as REQUEST TO SETTLE could apply to just about any response which hasn’t yet got to that stage.

 

[WesternLancer]

I would put URGENT - SJPN RECEIVED as REQUEST TO SETTLE could apply to just about any response which hasn’t yet got to that stage.

Agreed.

Op. When this is done (and actually I tend to think best if send the tracked posted version the same day as the email version) we can advise on how to buy more time to seek to settle out of court by returning your SJPN with a plea that requires an in person court hearing which then takes longer to actually happen thus creates more time to seek out of court settlement.

That would involve making a not guilty plea (perhaps counter intuitively).

But more on that when you have got back to GTR with the recent suggested action.

 

[MotCO]

I wonder if the SJPN has been issued since the incident took place on 3rd September, and they are soon running out of time to take legal action (6 months limit), so they issued the SJPN to cover themselves. In which case, they probably haven't read your response, so an out of Court settlement could still be possible.

 

[z444z]

I wonder if the SJPN has been issued since the incident took place on 3rd September, and they are soon running out of time to take legal action (6 months limit), so they issued the SJPN to cover themselves. In which case, they probably haven't read your response, so an out of Court settlement could still be possible.

This is what we’ve seen happen a few times recently yes

 

[tokenturing]

Thank you all, I've sent the email.
I'll also send the original letter, with the new email/letter appended.
Fingers crossed I hear back in the next 2 days - if not I will let the forum now and would be grateful for your help with next steps

 

[WesternLancer]

Thank you all, I've sent the email.
I'll also send the original letter, with the new email/letter appended.
Fingers crossed I hear back in the next 2 days - if not I will let the forum now and would be grateful for your help with next steps

What date does the SJPN papers have to be back at the court? That’s the effective deadline next.

You must not miss that deadline so would need to be posting that next day delivery a day or two before then allowing for weekends.

 

[tokenturing]

Hi all,

In response to the email sent this morning, I have received an offer to settle out of court. The letter was sent via email and is dated from the the start of January 2026. Do you think that a letter was created but not sent or lost in the postal system?

For full clarity, and for the aid of others in the same situation, I have been asked to pay an admin fee plus the price of the fare of the journey that I was stopped by the inspector on; no other journeys were included.

I am incredibly grateful to the members of this forum who have provided so much valuable advise to get to this settlement. For context, I am a medical student and a court judgement would have potentially prevented me from ever practicing as a doctor.

I am very ashamed of my actions, and will continue to use the railways responsibly, as I have done since the incident. Thanks once again

 

[WesternLancer]

Hi all,

In response to the email sent this morning, I have received an offer to settle out of court. The letter was sent via email and is dated from the the start of January 2026. Do you think that a letter was created but not sent or lost in the postal system?

For full clarity, and for the aid of others in the same situation, I have been asked to pay an admin fee plus the price of the fare of the journey that I was stopped by the inspector on; no other journeys were included.

I am incredibly grateful to the members of this forum who have provided so much valuable advise to get to this settlement. For context, I am a medical student and a court judgement would have potentially prevented me from ever practicing as a doctor.

I am very ashamed of my actions, and will continue to use the railways responsibly, as I have done since the incident. Thanks once again

This sounds like good news. When you pay this keep proof of payment and keep all the paperwork associated with this long term.

It's good to know your message was picked up ad acted upon and that will help other people in the same situation to know, I think

It was a couple of weeks ago when their was another case with a similarity - ie the person had just received an SJPN and it looked like their original request to settle had been lost - but the situation caused them enough worry to result in them then seeking a solicitor to help resolve it - which IIRC cost them c£800 in solicitors fees.

Separately if you are intending to work in the medical profession this should have been a very serious wake up call for you - and I'm sure it has been - so good luck for the future and don't let errors of judgment like this ruin your future prospects.

 

[z444z]

Hi all,

In response to the email sent this morning, I have received an offer to settle out of court. The letter was sent via email and is dated from the the start of January 2026. Do you think that a letter was created but not sent or lost in the postal system?

For full clarity, and for the aid of others in the same situation, I have been asked to pay an admin fee plus the price of the fare of the journey that I was stopped by the inspector on; no other journeys were included.

I am incredibly grateful to the members of this forum who have provided so much valuable advise to get to this settlement. For context, I am a medical student and a court judgement would have potentially prevented me from ever practicing as a doctor.

I am very ashamed of my actions, and will continue to use the railways responsibly, as I have done since the incident. Thanks once again

This sounds like a good outcome and is a really helpful update for us too - thanks and all the best