Advice on fare evasion possible prosecution

[designerlife]

I would appreciate any advice on the following matter if possible it's quite worrying when you read the other posts.

I departed from an un-manned station A so was not able to purchase a ticket at this point so I was anticipating trying by card on the train with the conductor to try and save time but he was not around and as the train was full he was not able to get to me. I then arrived at station C where I approached the barrier I realised I may not have enough in cash to pay for the peak ticket and I often have problems with card machines so to save time I stupidly stated station B which was closer as I was in a rush to catch a connecting coach and did not want to be held up with problems at the barrier with my card.

After discussions with the RPO and him taking my details I managed to convince them to sell me the correct ticke, but not after them already taking my details and reporting or checking them via phone at the gate.

I would like to know where I stand on this matter now as I have the ticket required but not after the unfortunate damage has been done so will I still receive a letter from northern rail, and as this is a first offence I would also like to know what the likely penalty will be?

Thanks for your advice.

 

[maniacmartin]

it sounds like you may have an online-only (full authorisation) debit card. If your card often doesn't work with the mobile Avantix machines, why were you planning to use this card on board with the same type of machine?

 

[Qwerty133]

it sounds like you may have an online-only (full authorisation) debit card. If your card often doesn't work with the mobile Avantix machines, why were you planning to use this card on board with the same type of machine?

In my opinion the railway doesn't advertise that some debit cards won't be accepted on board, so passengers with said cards should be under no obligation to have cash to pay as debit cards are a valid payment method. It's not the customers fault if the railway chooses to use outdated technology and can't process some cards. (but this had already been discussed more than enough on previous threads)
As for the case in the OP, the fact that you lied about where you travelled from is going to be the main issue, but it'll be impossible for the best advice to be given without the TOC(s) and stations involved being given.
Edit: just noticed it said Northern Rail, in which case £80 + the full fare for the journey made will be a likely out of court settlement, but this can't be guaranteed as they could chose to take you court, in which case you're looking at a fine of up to £1000 and a criminal record, as lying about where you travelled from is enough to prove intent, for a more serious section 5 offence.

 

[island]

It sounds like you committed a criminal offence under section 5 (3) of the Regulation of Railways Act by attempting to travel without payment of your fare and with intent to avoid the payment thereof. You may well receive a letter from Northern asking for payment of £80 in lieu of a prosecution being taken against you. But you will have to wait and see.

 

[Tetchytyke]

If Northern believe that it is a first offence they may offer you a "fixed penalty notice" of £80, which will be payable as well as the fare you should have paid. They are under no obligation to offer this.

However "short faring", i.e. deliberately lying about where you travelled from in order to defraud the railway, is treated seriously and they may decide they have enough information to prosecute you.