can someone please explain this witness statement

[Urgent_Help]

Hello Everyone,


I would greatly appreciate any help and clarification regarding a recent incident. I was issued a witness receipt on a Thameslink/Southeastern train. I understand that I am not eligible for a 16–17 Saver, but I do have a Network Railcard, which is valid only after 10 a.m. When purchasing my ticket, the half-price 16–17 discount was applied.


Please find attached the witness receipt I was given. The receipt does not state a reason, so I do not fully understand its meaning. The inspector mentioned that I would receive a letter, but there was an error in my address(Flat number), and I am concerned I may not receive the correspondence.


I would appreciate guidance on the next steps to ensure I receive any communication and handle this matter appropriately.
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== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 4 Nov 2025 ==

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[Snow1964]

It should have been reprinted, or the missing words written in. Currently parts of it are unreadable including the statements and no one should be required to guess the legal statement.

They have added insult by one bit you can read saying needs to be in writing. They wouldn't be very happy if you wrote back with some of your words unreadable

 

[Urgent_Help]

It should have been reprinted, parts of it are unreadable

i blurred some part but that basically what he printed with no reason

 

[Snow1964]

You mention a railcard, what type do you have. Some have time restrictions, others have a minimum fare that applies before a certain time.

There is no National Railcard, we need clarity on which type of railcard it was, and what day of the week and time of travel it was used. To offer correct advice.

 

[Urgent_Help]

It should have been reprinted, or the missing words written in. Currently parts of it are unreadable including the statements and no one should be required to guess the legal statement.

They have added insult by one bit you can read saying needs to be in writing. They wouldn't be very happy if you wrote back with some of your words unreadable

Hi Snow,

Thank you for your swift responce

The witness report I received was clear, but I have blurred some details here because I am posting online.

Submitted by: ----#blurred

Details recorded:

• Issued: ~blurred
• Issued at: #blurred
• Class: Standard class
• Name: #blurred
• Address: #blurred
• Date of birth: #blurred
• Adult/Child: Adult

The report also states that I will be contacted in writing regarding the matter recorded today. I am confused because the specific issue is not mentioned in the report, and I am concerned that I may not receive the letter when it arrives.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 4 Nov 2025 ==

You mention a railcard, what type do you have. Some have time restrictions, others have a minimum fare that applies before a certain time.

There is no National Railcard, we need clarity on which type of railcard it was, and what day of the week and time of travel it was used. To offer correct advice.

Network Rail card rather

 

[swt_passenger]

You mention a railcard, what type do you have. Some have time restrictions, others have a minimum fare that applies before a certain time.

There is no National Railcard, we need clarity on which type of railcard it was, and what day of the week and time of travel it was used. To offer correct advice.

Post #1 refers to ‘after 10am’, so I’d expect it’s a Network Railcard used before 1000, so unfortunately the ticket itself would not be valid. However a later post now mentions a 16-17 railcard…

 

[John R]

Why was the address wrong? Did you give a wrong address?

It's important that you get correspondence about this, else you are likely to be prosecuted and convicted in your absence, and even worse, find balliffs turn up at your door.

Write to them at gtr.prosecutions@gtrailway.com quoting the reference and the correct address to contact you at. Do not get into any discussion about the matter itself, as they explicitly say that they will not consider it.

This link may be help.

https://www.thameslinkrailway.com/help-and-support/penalty-fares

 

[MotCO]

Hi Snow,

Thank you for your swift responce

The witness report I received was clear, but I have blurred some details here because I am posting online.

Submitted by: ----#blurred

Details recorded:

• Issued: ~blurred
• Issued at: #blurred
• Class: Standard class
• Name: #blurred
• Address: #blurred
• Date of birth: #blurred
• Adult/Child: Adult

The report also states that I will be contacted in writing regarding the matter recorded today. I am confused because the specific issue is not mentioned in the report, and I am concerned that I may not receive the letter when it arrives.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 4 Nov 2025 ==


Network Rail card rather

I understand why you have blurred the details, but can you please answer the following:

What time was the ticket issued?
What day of the week was it?
What type of ticket did you have?
Was the journey detailed on the Witness Statement the correct journey you were undertaking?
How inaccurate was the address quoted, i.e. could their letter easily find its way to you?

 

[Urgent_Help]

Why was the address wrong? Did you give a wrong address?

It's important that you get correspondence about this, else you are likely to be prosecuted and convicted in your absence, and even worse, find balliffs turn up at your door.

Write to them at gtr.prosecutions@gtrailway.com quoting the reference and the correct address to contact you at. Do not get into any discussion about the matter itself, as they explicitly say that they will not consider it.

This link may be help.

https://www.thameslinkrailway.com/help-and-support/penalty-fares

Thank you John.

The address was wrong.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 4 Nov 2025 ==

I understand why you have blurred the details, but can you please answer the following:

What time was the ticket issued?
What day of the week was it?
What type of ticket did you have?
Was the journey detailed on the Witness Statement the correct journey you were undertaking?
How inaccurate was the address quoted, i.e. could their letter easily find its way to you?

Thank you MOT

It was issued on a monday morning before 10am.
Anytime day ticket... I used 16-17 railcard instead of network. I later bought another ticket on that same day with the network rail card.
The correct journey was detailed on the witness journey
same address but another flat

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 4 Nov 2025 ==

Can I send this mail to them please :::




Subject: Update of Address – Witness Receipt


Dear GTR Customer Services,

I am writing regarding a witness receipt I received on -///--- for an incident on --//---. The receipt notes that I will be contacted in writing, but I have noticed that my address was recorded incorrectly.

Could you please update my records to the correct address below to ensure I receive all correspondence:

[//////////

I would also appreciate any guidance on what steps I should take next regarding this matter.

Thank you for your assistance.

Kind regards,
///////

 

[WesternLancer]

Thank you John.

The address was wrong.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 4 Nov 2025 ==


Thank you MOT

It was issued on a monday morning before 10am.
Anytime day ticket... I used 16-17 railcard instead of network. I later bought another ticket on that same day with the network rail card.
The correct journey was detailed on the witness journey
same address but another flat

Further to this at this stage I would, as advised here, just write to them to ensure they have your correct address details.

It may be some weeks before they write to you but it's vital you receive and respond to their letter which will almost certainly be in hard copy (but watch e-mail and spam also). If you can keep an eye on post for the other flat if communal letterbox for example (or mention it to the flat resident) then that is worth doing if you get on with them

At this point just something to that e-mail address like this to get the address corrected (they only accept address related stuff by e-mail):

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

Dear Sir/ Madam

Reference number (insert this from receipt slip you have and attach a a copy of it)

I was stopped on x date at y location / on xx time of train and questioned about the validity of my rail ticket.

I believe my address was wrongly recorded

My correct address is:

My e-mail address is:

Please can any letters be sent to my correct address so that I can respond to them

Yours faithfully

 

[Urgent_Help]

Further to this at this stage I would, as advised here, just write to them to ensure they have your correct address details.

It may be some weeks before they write to you but it's vital you receive and respond to their letter which will almost certainly be in hard copy (but watch e-mail and spam also). If you can keep an eye on post for the other flat if communal letterbox for example (or mention it to the flat resident) then that is worth doing if you get on with them

At this point just something to that e-mail address like this to get the address corrected (they only accept address related stuff by e-mail):

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

Dear Sir/ Madam

Reference number (insert this from receipt slip you have and attach a a copy of it)

I was stopped on x date at y location / on xx time of train and questioned about the validity of my rail ticket.

I believe my address was wrongly recorded

My correct address is:

My e-mail address is:

Please can any letters be sent to my correct address so that I can respond to them

Yours faithfully

Thank you very much.

I appreciate your input

 

[WesternLancer]

Thank you very much.

I appreciate your input

apols, your post of a draft to them was one that cross posted with mine I think so I didn't see it when I suggested what you could send. Your own version would I'm sure have been OK.

when you send that by e-mail you should get an auto reply - keep a copy of that.

If you do not get an auto reply print what you have sent and post it to them by Royal Mail - we can provide the correct postal address* (has to be their revenue protection team address) if you need it. 2nd class post would probably suffice. Or 'tracked 48' post if you want proof of delivery.

EDIT: * I see now that the postal address for them is on the slip you uploaded at Kings cross station

 

[Snow1964]

It was issued on a monday morning before 10am.
Anytime day ticket... I used 16-17 railcard instead of network. I later bought another ticket on that same day with the network rail card.

OK this is becoming much clearer now.

You hold a Network railcard (but it isn't valid before 10am)

You bought a 16-17 ticket which is 50% off adult rate (is this correct ?), but don't have a 16-17 railcard (or do you have both railcards as you are 16 or 17)

You subsequently bought another ticket for another journey (maybe return leg) using Network Railcard.

Did you use an app or website with an account to buy both a 16-17 ticket and a Network discounted ticket. If so it will complicate the history of ticket purchases, they might assume worst until you explain. If you bought ticket at a ticket office or machine there will be no history so won't link the mismatch. It would help if you say which method you bought the tickets

 

[Urgent_Help]

apols, your post of a draft to them was one that cross posted with mine I think so I didn't see it when I suggested what you could send. Your own version would I'm sure have been OK.

when you send that by e-mail you should get an auto reply - keep a copy of that.

If you do not get an auto reply print what you have sent and post it to them by Royal Mail - we can provide the correct postal address (has to be their revenue protection team address) if you need it. 2nd class post would probably suffice. Or 'tracked 48' post if you want proof of delivery.

Alright noted.
I will give an update once i send the mail.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 4 Nov 2025 ==

OK this is becoming much clearer now.

You hold a Network railcard (but it isn't valid before 10am)

You bought a 16-17 ticket which is 50% off adult rate (is this correct ?), but don't have a 16-17 railcard Then bough (or do you have both railcards as you are 16 or 17)

You subsequently bought another ticket for another journey (maybe return leg) using Network Railcard.

Did you use an app or website with an account to buy both a 16-17 ticket and a Network discounted ticket. If so it will complicate the history of ticket purchases, they might assume worst until you explain. If you bought ticket at a ticket office or machine there will be no history so won't link the mismatch. It would help if you say which method you bought the tickets

I hold a valid Network Railcard; however, it is not valid for travel before 10:00 AM. I then purchased a 16–17 ticket, but I do not have a 16–17 Railcard.

After receiving the witness report, I purchased a new ticket for the same journey using my valid Network Railcard. Please note that this new ticket is an Any Time Day Single ticket.

Both tickets were purchased through my Trainline account.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 4 Nov 2025 ==

apols, your post of a draft to them was one that cross posted with mine I think so I didn't see it when I suggested what you could send. Your own version would I'm sure have been OK.

when you send that by e-mail you should get an auto reply - keep a copy of that.

If you do not get an auto reply print what you have sent and post it to them by Royal Mail - we can provide the correct postal address* (has to be their revenue protection team address) if you need it. 2nd class post would probably suffice. Or 'tracked 48' post if you want proof of delivery.

EDIT: * I see now that the postal address for them is on the slip you uploaded at Kings cross station

Hello,
I got an auto reply. should I still post to their address??

 

[WesternLancer]

Hello,
I got an auto reply. should I still post to their address??

probably not if the auto reply accepts that changes of address are legit to send via that e-mail - tho the price of a 2nd class stamp won't break the bank if you do want to send it to them by post to be sure.

 

[fandroid]

If I'm getting this correct, the OP bought a ticket and applied the 16-17 Saver discount to it. That was what they were issued a witness statement for, using a 16-17 Saver ticket without holding the appropriate card. The "before 10am" thing is a red herring, as is the possession of a Network Railcard. (Why would anyone eligible for a 16-17 Saver even possess a Network Railcard?).

 

[Haywain]

Why would anyone eligible for a 16-17 Saver even possess a Network Railcard?

I struggle to see why anyone under the age of 30 would hold one.

 

[WesternLancer]

I struggle to see why anyone under the age of 30 would hold one.

Taking other people with you at discount?

 

[Haywain]

Taking other petty u at discount?

?

 

[WesternLancer]

?

sorry - corrected that badly written post!

 

[MarlowDonkey]

The "before 10am" thing is a red herring, as is the possession of a Network Railcard. (Why would anyone eligible for a 16-17 Saver even possess a Network Railcard?).

As a guess, the OP is not eligible for a 16-17 Saver but does have a Network Railcard. That is valid some of the day but not before 10 am. When purchasing the ticket the half price 16-17 discount was applied.

 

[island]

The address was wrong.

How did a wrong address come to be recorded?

 

[fandroid]

As a guess, the OP is not eligible for a 16-17 Saver but does have a Network Railcard. That is valid some of the day but not before 10 am. When purchasing the ticket the half price 16-17 discount was applied.

Yes, but it's still a red herring. That was my point. The offense was applying the 16-17 Saver discount. Whether they had a Network Card or not was totally irrelevant to the GTR inspector.

 

[John R]

How did a wrong address come to be recorded?

Their answer to the same question (post 9) was conspicuous in that it didn’t answer the question.

Worth noting for the OPs benefit that giving an incorrect address is in itself an offence that they could be prosecuted for (although I don’t think we have seen any, maybe because we strongly advise people to come clean, correct it, and apologise for it).

 

[MotCO]

If there are gaps emerging in the OP's story, can we ask that the OP gives us complete and accurate answers to our questions? We are not judgemental; we need this info to provide the best advice to the OP.

 

[Urgent_Help]

As a guess, the OP is not eligible for a 16-17 Saver but does have a Network Railcard. That is valid some of the day but not before 10 am. When purchasing the ticket the half price 16-17 discount was applied.

yes, this was what happened

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

How did a wrong address come to be recorded?

To be honest, I was scared and panicking at the time. While my address was correct, the flat number was entered incorrectly. I later informed the ticket inspector and provided the correct flat number, but I noticed that the wrong one was still included in the witness statement.

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

Their answer to the same question (post 9) was conspicuous in that it didn’t answer the question.

Worth noting for the OPs benefit that giving an incorrect address is in itself an offence that they could be prosecuted for (although I don’t think we have seen any, maybe because we strongly advise people to come clean, correct it, and apologise for it).

I have sent an email to them notifying them about my address and I also plan to print what I sent and post to them today.

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

If there are gaps emerging in the OP's story, can we ask that the OP gives us complete and accurate answers to our questions? We are not judgemental; we need this info to provide the best advice to the OP.

Thank you very much. I have updated the main post to include all the relevant details. I have learnt from my mistakes and sincerely hope this matter can be resolved as soon as possible. I have been extremely worried and anxious about the situation.

 

[Urgent_Help]

Good morning everyone.

On 3 November, I was issued a witness receipt while travelling on a Thameslink / Southeastern service. I understand that I am not eligible for a 16–17 Saver Railcard, although I do hold a valid Network Railcard, which is only valid after 10:00 a.m. When purchasing my ticket, the 16–17 Saver discount was applied. After returning home, I purchased a full-fare ticket. I have since received a letter requesting an explanation and would appreciate guidance on how best to respond before the deadline.



Kindly find below the letter I drafted:


Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing in response to the incident that occurred on 3 November 2025 near Abbey Wood station (Reference: GTREMGXXXXXXX).

I would like to begin by taking full responsibility for my actions. I did not purchase a valid ticket for my journey prior to boarding. This was a serious lapse in judgment, and I fully acknowledge the importance of purchasing the correct ticket before travelling and complying with railway regulations. I understand the impact that fare evasion has on the railway network and on other passengers, and I sincerely regret my actions.

After returning home, I immediately purchased a full-fare ticket to rectify the situation. Since this incident, I have ensured that I purchase the correct ticket for every journey, using my valid Network Railcard where applicable and within its terms and conditions.

I am fully willing to cooperate with your investigation and respectfully ask that you consider allowing me to resolve this matter without court proceedings. I am prepared to pay any outstanding fare as well as any reasonable administrative costs incurred.

As requested, I have attached a copy of my Railcard to this letter.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my response.

Yours faithfully,

 

[John R]

The Network Railcard point is a complete red herring, and I suggest you don’t mention it. All that is important is that you applied a discount (which is higher than that applicable to a Network Railcard anyway) for a railcard you did not, and could not hold.

I’d delete the “complying with railway regulations” point too, as (to me) it suggests of an AI generated letter.

 

[Urgent_Help]

The Network Railcard point is a complete red herring, and I suggest you don’t mention it. All that is important is that you applied a discount (which is higher than that applicable to a Network Railcard anyway) for a railcard you did not, and could not hold.

I’d delete the “complying with railway regulations” point too, as (to me) it suggests of an AI generated letter.

Thank you very much for your response. Kindly see the edited version below and advise if it is okay.

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing in response to the incident that occurred on 3 November 2025 near Abbey Wood station (Reference: GTREMGXXXXXXX).

I would like to take full responsibility for my actions. I did not purchase a valid ticket prior to boarding the train. This was a serious lapse in judgment. I fully acknowledge the importance of purchasing the correct ticket before travelling and understand the impact that fare evasion has on the railway network and other passengers. I sincerely regret my actions.

After returning home, I immediately purchased a full-fare ticket to rectify the situation. Since this incident, I have ensured that I purchase the correct ticket for every journey.

I am fully willing to cooperate with your investigation and respectfully ask that you consider allowing me to resolve this matter without court proceedings. I am prepared to pay any outstanding fare, along with any reasonable administrative costs incurred.

As requested, I have attached a copy of my Railcard to this letter.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my response.

Yours faithfully,

-------
'and understand the impact that fare evasion has on the railway network and other passengers.'...Should I remove this too pls?

 

[WesternLancer]

The Network Railcard point is a complete red herring, and I suggest you don’t mention it. All that is important is that you applied a discount (which is higher than that applicable to a Network Railcard anyway) for a railcard you did not, and could not hold.

I’d delete the “complying with railway regulations” point too, as (to me) it suggests of an AI generated letter.

I do agree with this.