Was the railcard purchased online or at a station?
At the station.
This is what I responded with
"Dear GWR Revenue Recovery Team,
I am writing with deep respect and sincere apologies regarding the concerns raised about the use of a 16–17 Railcard on journeys linked to my account. I fully understand the seriousness of this matter, and I want to express how genuinely upset and distressed I am that my actions have been interpreted as misuse. I purchase tickets for many people within my community, which is how this misunderstanding came to be (explained further below).
1. Incident on 4 May 2024
With regard to the incident on 4 May 2024, on the day I spoke with the conductor, this was an extremely unfortunate and upsetting misunderstanding. I had purchased two tickets: one discounted ticket for my family friend, who was travelling separately, and a standard ticket for myself. When approached, I accidentally handed over the wrong ticket and panicked, especially because I had a throbbing migraine. In the bodycam footage, I think it would be seen that I had my head on the table due to the pain, and this, coupled with the panic, meant that instead of calmly explaining, I became flustered and annoyed, which I deeply regret.
Please find attached the correct ticket that I purchased for my own use on that day, which had no discount applied. I believe this renders the fine incorrect.
2. Network Railcard Tickets
All tickets purchased using the Network Railcard charges were tickets I purchased for my mother.
I can prove that those were discounts I legitimately obtained for her travel, as her Network Railcards are attached to this email.
3. 16-17 Railcard
All tickets purchased with the 16–17 Railcard were for young family friends whom I often support and sometimes travel with. As a young person who is very involved in my community, I frequently help younger individuals with travel arrangements, including buying their tickets when needed. I now understand how this may have appeared from your perspective, but I want to emphasise that there was absolutely no intention to misuse a railcard or obtain a fare to which I was not entitled.
As shown in point 1, on 4 May 2024, I had purchased my own non-discounted return tickets (which had been scanned before encountering the inspector) for that journey. I obviously wouldn't have done that if I were planning to refund them or misuse them. Back in 2024,
I raised an email and phone enquiry about this case to try to resolve it and explain what happened. When I phoned on 10 September 2024, they told me that if I hadn't heard anything that the case had been dropped. The email enquiry was also returned with 'no case found', meaning I was never able to clarify the issue at the time (email thread attached).
I would also like to respectfully note that unless it can be established that I personally used those railcard-discounted tickets myself, I do not understand how I can be held liable for them. These tickets were purchased for other young people in my community, and unless there is clear evidence that I travelled on those discounted fares, I kindly ask that these journeys be given the benefit of the doubt. I have made enquiries to provide evidence of the 16-17 Railcard, as I have done for the Network Railcard. However, it expired back in c. July 2024 (as it was only valid for a year), and it was a physical ticket purchased at a staffed train station ticket office. Therefore, nobody has any record of its purchase or existence apart from perhaps somewhere on a bank statement. I was out of the country for much of the disputed transactions, which would prove that I didn't personally use the tickets; flight tickets can be provided if that would help.
I am currently training to become a lawyer, and honesty, ethics, and integrity are values I take incredibly seriously. I would never intentionally defraud Great Western Railway or any organisation. This situation has caused me significant worry and distress, and I am truly devastated that my actions have led to this misunderstanding. Furthermore, as a young trainee, I am under huge financial strain, which makes the size of this fine even more stress-inducing. I am very keen to ensure that this issue is resolved outside of court since both parties are willing to engage.
I respectfully and wholeheartedly ask that you consider my explanation, the genuine mistake that occurred. I have learned a great deal from this experience and will ensure that I take even greater care in the future.
Thank you very much for taking the time to read my letter. I am sincerely grateful for your understanding and consideration.
Yours faithfully,"
