Dear All,
I have been caught on 2nd October using someone else's Freedom pass by Southeastern employee. They recorded my details and an interview, issued verification letter on 3rd October. I was requested to sign the interview notes handwritten by the inspector on the day of the incident. When the handwriting was shown to me, nothing was clear at all, and the SE employee joked: "if you don't understand my ugly writing, sign anyway". I signed, due to shock and willingness to show collaboration (I guess might have been mistake, but that's now done). No interview outcome was attached to verification letter, and I don't have visibility of it. Of course, I remember what I said, but am worried that it might have been misinterpreted. I am not a native English speaker.
My expected outcomes are to:
- avoid conviction (due to immigration matters). Of course, I realise my guilt and am willing to pay the fine(s).
- avoid the person whose pass I used being penalised.
From your experience, could you kindly advise:
1. I studied the forum and see that SE often agree for out of court settlements, though the cost of them is high. Is it worth responding to the verification letter in an apologetic way, asking for out of court settlement (and invest maximum into that amount rather that solicitor)?
2. OR is it better to engage a solicitor? In that case, could anyone share recommendation of a solicitor who specialises both in both freedom pass misuse and dealing with Southeastern?
Thank you very much in advance!
I have been caught on 2nd October using someone else's Freedom pass by Southeastern employee. They recorded my details and an interview, issued verification letter on 3rd October. I was requested to sign the interview notes handwritten by the inspector on the day of the incident. When the handwriting was shown to me, nothing was clear at all, and the SE employee joked: "if you don't understand my ugly writing, sign anyway". I signed, due to shock and willingness to show collaboration (I guess might have been mistake, but that's now done). No interview outcome was attached to verification letter, and I don't have visibility of it. Of course, I remember what I said, but am worried that it might have been misinterpreted. I am not a native English speaker.
My expected outcomes are to:
- avoid conviction (due to immigration matters). Of course, I realise my guilt and am willing to pay the fine(s).
- avoid the person whose pass I used being penalised.
From your experience, could you kindly advise:
1. I studied the forum and see that SE often agree for out of court settlements, though the cost of them is high. Is it worth responding to the verification letter in an apologetic way, asking for out of court settlement (and invest maximum into that amount rather that solicitor)?
2. OR is it better to engage a solicitor? In that case, could anyone share recommendation of a solicitor who specialises both in both freedom pass misuse and dealing with Southeastern?
Thank you very much in advance!
