Do GTR take minors to court?

[TheBuffalo]

Hi, before I start just want to say that I know that what I've done it extremely stupid and I will never do it again. Just looking for answers to some questions if anyone could help

Details:
- Last week I was in 1st class with a standard ticket, and I had a child ticket but I'm 16
- I stupidly gave a fake name and address. I corrected my mistakes by emailing them the next day, and they've said thank you for correcting your details
- The RPI said I would get a letter telling me to pay a penalty fare. But after reading stuff on here and looking at the paper they gave me, I'm guessing it will be a notice of intent to prosecute letter?

My main questions are:
1. What is the chance that I'll go to court? I'm genuinely terrified of getting a criminal record. I would rather pay the out of court settlement if I get one
2. What kind of involvement do my parents have given I'm under 18?
3. I have bought short tickets a couple times before on Trainline (it's not entirely obvious but they could probably guess). These weren't on GTR trains though. Will they take this into account?

Any help would be appreciated, thank you!!

 

[furlong]

Do GTR take minors to court? Not for a single set of offences like that you describe. Expect a letter to your parents asking for money.

 

[Hadders]

Welcome to the forum!

GTR will almost certainly offer an out of court settlemernt but I'm sure they'll send their standard template letter to your parents saying they have received a report and are considering prosecuting etc.

First thing you should do is tell your parents, if you haven't already done so. Next, when the letter arrives post a redacted copy of it in this thread and we can assist with how to reply to it. You might like to show this thread to you parents - this section of the forum has a number of people who are experts in how to deal with this sort of thing.