GTR Intent to Prosecute

[elisha1997]

I was stopped by a ticket inspector on my journey home from Finsbury Park to Stevenage. I had the incorrect ticket and tried to avoid the inspector, but they got off at my stop in Stevenage and asked to see my ticket. I explained that my phone had died and I couldn’t show one. They then took my details, told me this wasn’t the first time I hadn’t provided a ticket, as I have paid several penalty fare fines in the past, read me my rights, and gave me a witness statement receipt. I am extremely worried about receiving a criminal record, and I want to make it clear that I will not make this mistake again in the future. Will they investigate my train fare history? And should I seek solicitor advice now and have them reach out to GTR

 

[30907]

To answer your actual questions:
1. you should assume they will investigate your travel history, though they don't always.
2. GTR almost always agree to settle out of court, even when there is a history of fare evasion. I wouldn't contact a solicitor at this stage - wait for the letter to arrive and come back for advice.

 

[John R]

What ticket did you have? And how did you purchase it? If online it is likely they will investigate your travel history, but we've seen one case closed today when they didn't.

I guess the fact that you have come to their attention several times before is likely to a) mean they are more inclined to dig a little deeper into your history, and b) play hard ball in terms of any settlement offer or even move to prosecution. But you won't know that until you hear from them, and like the above poster, you shouldn't consult a solicitor until you know what they are asking you.