flamerose1
New Member
Hello - I have recently received a letter of prosecution from chiltern railways as I had accidentally purchased a ticket with a child railcard. I hadn't actually boarded the train. However upon realising, I had then looked an seen that I had the selection on for multiple other fares (because on the tramline app, you don't have to register the railcard, it is just an option).
I am extremely stressed about the outcome and having a criminal record. I have sent them the below email. if anyone has any advice on this and anyone has had a similar experience please let me know the outcome! I have sent them the below letter!
thank you!
I am writing in response to the Notice of Intended Prosecution, dated 2nd May 2025, which I received on 8th May 2025. This notice relates to an incident that occurred on 10th March 2025 during my journey from _____ to ______.
First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere apologies for this incident. I take full responsibility for my actions and deeply regret the inconvenience and concern I have caused Chiltern Railways and its staff. I fully understand the seriousness of this matter and the importance of upholding the integrity of the railway system.
On the day in question, I arrived at London Marylebone station at approximately 6PM, with a train due to depart within five minutes. In my haste to catch the train, I purchased a ticket via the Trainline app as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, I did not realise that a railcard discount had been pre-selected in the app—resulting in the purchase of a discounted fare I was not entitled to.
At the time, I was under immense pressure dealing with a serious and urgent work-related issue involving a missing high-value parcel. I was using both my work and personal phones to urgently liaise with my employer and a courier service, trying to resolve a situation that could have had severe consequences for my job. This stress and distraction led me to overlook the incorrect railcard selection on the app. When I attempted to pass through the ticket barriers, I was stopped by a member of staff. I fully cooperated with them, followed all instructions, and did not attempt to board the train with the incorrect ticket. Instead, I immediately purchased a new, valid fare and continued my journey accordingly. The member of staff I spoke with advised that I may be required to pay the full fare, which I am willing to do without hesitation.
Since this incident, I have taken concrete steps to ensure this never happens again. I have now purchased an annual railcard, and I carefully check all ticket purchases. I have paid the correct fare for every journey since and remain committed to complying fully with all travel regulations.
I sincerely hope there is a way to resolve this matter outside of court. I am more than willing to cover the full outstanding fare and any administrative or other costs incurred by Chiltern Railways in handling this case. I truly regret this situation and assure you it was a one-off mistake made under intense pressure—not an act of deliberate fare evasion. I am deeply concerned of how a prosecution might affect my future career. I hope you will take this into consideration. I would be extremely grateful for any opportunity to rectify my actions, and I truly appreciate your time, understanding, and consideration in reviewing my case.
Please let me know how you wish to proceed. I am ready to comply fully with any conditions necessary to bring this matter to a close.
I am extremely stressed about the outcome and having a criminal record. I have sent them the below email. if anyone has any advice on this and anyone has had a similar experience please let me know the outcome! I have sent them the below letter!
thank you!
I am writing in response to the Notice of Intended Prosecution, dated 2nd May 2025, which I received on 8th May 2025. This notice relates to an incident that occurred on 10th March 2025 during my journey from _____ to ______.
First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere apologies for this incident. I take full responsibility for my actions and deeply regret the inconvenience and concern I have caused Chiltern Railways and its staff. I fully understand the seriousness of this matter and the importance of upholding the integrity of the railway system.
On the day in question, I arrived at London Marylebone station at approximately 6PM, with a train due to depart within five minutes. In my haste to catch the train, I purchased a ticket via the Trainline app as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, I did not realise that a railcard discount had been pre-selected in the app—resulting in the purchase of a discounted fare I was not entitled to.
At the time, I was under immense pressure dealing with a serious and urgent work-related issue involving a missing high-value parcel. I was using both my work and personal phones to urgently liaise with my employer and a courier service, trying to resolve a situation that could have had severe consequences for my job. This stress and distraction led me to overlook the incorrect railcard selection on the app. When I attempted to pass through the ticket barriers, I was stopped by a member of staff. I fully cooperated with them, followed all instructions, and did not attempt to board the train with the incorrect ticket. Instead, I immediately purchased a new, valid fare and continued my journey accordingly. The member of staff I spoke with advised that I may be required to pay the full fare, which I am willing to do without hesitation.
Since this incident, I have taken concrete steps to ensure this never happens again. I have now purchased an annual railcard, and I carefully check all ticket purchases. I have paid the correct fare for every journey since and remain committed to complying fully with all travel regulations.
I sincerely hope there is a way to resolve this matter outside of court. I am more than willing to cover the full outstanding fare and any administrative or other costs incurred by Chiltern Railways in handling this case. I truly regret this situation and assure you it was a one-off mistake made under intense pressure—not an act of deliberate fare evasion. I am deeply concerned of how a prosecution might affect my future career. I hope you will take this into consideration. I would be extremely grateful for any opportunity to rectify my actions, and I truly appreciate your time, understanding, and consideration in reviewing my case.
Please let me know how you wish to proceed. I am ready to comply fully with any conditions necessary to bring this matter to a close.
