Hi,
Please, I need some advice as I am very worried about potentially having to go to court over this issue.
Last year, I took a train from Sidcup with my sister. I normally use my Oyster card, but that day I could not find it. My sister was travelling to the airport, so I decided to travel with her for just one stop, to New Eltham. She booked my ticket online, but accidentally selected a child ticket instead of an adult ticket because she was still 15 herself.
While officers were checking my ticket, the train departed before the check was finished. I was supposed to get off at New Eltham, but because the train had already left, they made me get off at the next station, Mottingham. They then questioned me about both having a child ticket and travelling past the station shown on the ticket.
I tried to calmly explain the situation several times and told them that it was an honest mistake, that I had never had this issue before and that I was not trying to avoid paying. However, I felt that the officers treated me very harshly. They kept me in a corner near the end of the platform against the wall. I did not try to run away, raise my voice or say anything offensive. I simply wanted to explain what had happened and resolve the situation.
Since then, I have been very worried about what could happen. I am in the UK on a visa, so I am particularly concerned that this could affect my immigration status, ability to work or ability to continue living in the UK. I have contacted them several times because I never received the letter I was expecting, but I was repeatedly told to wait.
I need to resolve this without going to court. I am willing to pay any appropriate fare or penalty that is required. My main concern is whether this could result in a criminal record or affect my visa and future in the UK.
I would really appreciate advice on what I should do now and how I should exactly respond to them.
Thank you very much for your help.
Please, I need some advice as I am very worried about potentially having to go to court over this issue.
Last year, I took a train from Sidcup with my sister. I normally use my Oyster card, but that day I could not find it. My sister was travelling to the airport, so I decided to travel with her for just one stop, to New Eltham. She booked my ticket online, but accidentally selected a child ticket instead of an adult ticket because she was still 15 herself.
While officers were checking my ticket, the train departed before the check was finished. I was supposed to get off at New Eltham, but because the train had already left, they made me get off at the next station, Mottingham. They then questioned me about both having a child ticket and travelling past the station shown on the ticket.
I tried to calmly explain the situation several times and told them that it was an honest mistake, that I had never had this issue before and that I was not trying to avoid paying. However, I felt that the officers treated me very harshly. They kept me in a corner near the end of the platform against the wall. I did not try to run away, raise my voice or say anything offensive. I simply wanted to explain what had happened and resolve the situation.
Since then, I have been very worried about what could happen. I am in the UK on a visa, so I am particularly concerned that this could affect my immigration status, ability to work or ability to continue living in the UK. I have contacted them several times because I never received the letter I was expecting, but I was repeatedly told to wait.
I need to resolve this without going to court. I am willing to pay any appropriate fare or penalty that is required. My main concern is whether this could result in a criminal record or affect my visa and future in the UK.
I would really appreciate advice on what I should do now and how I should exactly respond to them.
Thank you very much for your help.
