GTR Single Justice Procedure Notice

[millymae4]

Hi all, I’ve been reading a few threads on this forum and they all seem to be really helpful.

On 4th November 2024 I travelled from East Croydon to Gatwick on a 16-17 rail card ticket. I bought this ticket on the 3rd November on Trainline. Upon inspection I was only able to produce my 16-25 rail card and was given a penalty notice.

The officer (who was very rude) told me verbatim that I would be able to pay a fine online with the reference number.

I received an Intent to prosecute letter on the 27th of Jan and wrote back to them on 6th February included all the relevant information.

I have now received an SJPN today and was absolutely shocked. I called GTR straight away and they informed me they did not receive anything but allowed me to rewrite the letter as an email and send to it the prosecutions team.

I’m more so worried as i’m currently doing a background check for a job would this come up? I’m also worried about how long they will take to get back to me (if at all) via email. As I have 21 days to plead the SJPN.

I also wanted to include the officer genuinely discriminated against me and when she handed me back my rail card, told me that was all. I proceeded to walk towards the exit barriers and she ran after me as if i was trying to run away. In the SJPN she stated that the reason for questioning was : “Wrong railcard and tried to go through barrier while dealing with ”
If anyone knows the best way to make a fair complaint about their staff do let me know.

 

[John R]

Could you please reproduce the text of what you have now sent them. Usually an apology results in a settlement offer, but we can let you know if it read ok.

Until you are convicted, nothing will appear on a background check. But more importantly you need to check what you have to disclose - some employers want to know about any ongoing criminal investigations, especially those where integrity is an absolute must for employment.

Also, have you bought 16-17 tickets before? It's very likely that GTR knows the answer to that question, and it may influence their actions if you have and you have suggested in your response that it was a first offence.

 

[millymae4]

Hi John,

Thank you so much for your reply! Here is the email, I have redacted the summary of the altercation that happened with the staff member as I don’t think it’s relevant to my main concern.

“
I was advised over the phone by a GTR prosecutions team member to email this letter, which was posted on 6th February 2025, but it seems it was never received.

Dear Sir/ Madam,

Thank you for your letter dated 27th January 2025 regarding the above reference.

I am writing to dispute the penalty issued to me for alleged fare evasion on 04 Nov while traveling on Thameslink services. I would like to clarify that I did purchase a ticket for my journey; however, I now understand that it was not the correct ticket type for the route or conditions of travel.
On 04 Nov, I travelled from East Croydon to Gatwick Airport for a flight. Before boarding, I purchased an e-ticket via trainline with a 16-17 railcard automatically applied. I mistakenly didn’t look closely enough when checking out and I believed this ticket was valid for my journey. However, I now know the incorrect rail card was applied, not the 16-25 card I hold. It was never my intention to evade the fare, and I deeply apologetic for the mistake on my part. I fully appreciate the importance of adhering to ticketing regulations, and I sincerely apologise for this oversight. Given that I did pay for a ticket, albeit the incorrect one, I respectfully ask that you reconsider the penalty issued.”

I don’t see anything specifically relating to ongoing convictions on the consent form for the background check but I will call the company in the morning to check.

I do admit whilst in uni 2 years ago I did buy a few 16-17 tickets on GWR so did not suggest in my email that this was my first offence.

 

[John R]

I would reword your last sentence, and simply say that you would be very grateful if they would consider an out of court settlement offer in lieu of prosecution.

As for your employment issue, it should be very clear in any application form instructions what you have to disclose, and I would rely on that information as opposed to calling them, which may just result in them knowing about something which they needn’t, to your detriment.

 

[JordR]

I think the email has already been sent, but it may be a good idea to follow up because it's certainly not clear you have a willingness to settle this. It reads more like you want to outright dispute it, in which case they may consider continuing in the magistrates' court is proper. Just in case you don't realise why GTR are bothered by this, the 16-17 Saver entitles people who hold it to a larger discount than your railcard does.

Remember to keep an eye on the deadline for pleading under the SJPN, the courts are not aware you're having conversations with GTR and will expect you to respond to it if GTR has not withdrawn the case by then. If you need more time to continue discussions with GTR, your only option would be to plead not guilty to get it.

 

[millymae4]

I think the email has already been sent, but it may be a good idea to follow up because it's certainly not clear you have a willingness to settle this. It reads more like you want to outright dispute it, in which case they may consider continuing in the magistrates' court is proper. Just in case you don't realise why GTR are bothered by this, the 16-17 Saver entitles people who hold it to a larger discount than your railcard does.

Remember to keep an eye on the deadline for pleading under the SJPN, the courts are not aware you're having conversations with GTR and will expect you to respond to it if GTR has not withdrawn the case by then. If you need more time to continue discussions with GTR, your only option would be to plead not guilty to get it.

Thank you, I did send a quick follow up a few minutes after I sent the first email requesting an out of court settlement

 

[Spaceship323]

When is the deadline to send in your plea on the SJPN? It's important to reply to the court even though you are in discussions with GTR (as JordR says)

 

[millymae4]

When is the deadline to send in your plea on the SJPN? It's important to reply to the court even though you are in discussions with GTR (as JordR says)

The 26th March. What would I reply to the court?

 

[Spaceship323]

You have approximately 2 weeks to negotiate an out of court settlement with GTR otherwise (as post #5) you will need to plead not guilty to give you more time
I'd wait until the Friday before (the 21st) to get a reply from GTR, then send the SJPN paperwork by next day delivery if it's not resolved by then

 

[WesternLancer]

The 26th March. What would I reply to the court?

It’s not a reply. It’s a requirement to send back the completed SJPN papers with the plea. But hold off as long as you can but do not miss the court deadline for any reason.

 

[millymae4]

Just a quick update, GTR replied with an out of court settlement of £141 to withdraw the case. Thanks for all the help!

 

[Pushpit]

Just a quick update, GTR replied with an out of court settlement of £141 to withdraw the case. Thanks for all the help!

Thank you for letting us know, since it will provide reassurance to other people getting anxious about similar cases. I'm sure you are pleased to get the matter behind you. And a swift reply from GTR, I think they monitor this forum, with sometimes positive outcomes......

 

[WesternLancer]

Just a quick update, GTR replied with an out of court settlement of £141 to withdraw the case. Thanks for all the help!

Good news. That has avoided you a lot of time and extra cost.

 

[JordR]

Good result!

 

[Spaceship323]

Just a quick update, GTR replied with an out of court settlement of £141 to withdraw the case. Thanks for all the help!

Just make sure the court know GTR have dropped the case, (give them a few days for them to amend their records). Well done

 

[WesternLancer]

Thank you for letting us know, since it will provide reassurance to other people getting anxious about similar cases. I'm sure you are pleased to get the matter behind you. And a swift reply from GTR, I think they monitor this forum, with sometimes positive outcomes......

Yes. As mentioned in a few days contact the court to check it has been withdrawn