Help please, Fixed penalty notice from northern rail

[bradkennedy]

On the 25th march 2013 I boarded a train from Blackburn to Sheffield and bought a return ticket, paying by debit card at a cost of £24.60. On the return journey the next day nobody came round to inspect whether I had a ticket, when I got back to blackburn I was asked by the security to show a ticket, upon looking in my wallet for my ticket I couldn't find it and they said I'd get a letter in a few weeks, I got the letter saying I need to provide evidence that I bought a ticket and I sent them a copy of my bank statement showing the payment made to northern rail on the 25th march, however I have now recieved a fixed penalty notice stating on the 26th march (the date I returned) I was reported by a member of staff, and that I travelled from sheffield to blackburn without paying the fare and with the intent of avoiding the fare which was a cost of £22.60.

Is there anything I can do except pay a penalty of £102? I really don't want to go to court unless i'm 100% sure I'll be found innocent

 

[Chapeltom]

Not being able to show a ticket on demand is a byelaw offence and is strict liability. I'd pay the penalty, of £80 plus the fare due as if it went to court, Northern would easily win as you didn't have a ticket to show on demand and it doesn't matter if that was intentional or not.

 

[island]

There is no ticket costing £22.60 for that route; please can you confirm the amount and also the train operating company you used and the company you travelled with if different? Were you travelling via Burnley or via Stockport?

 

[bradkennedy]

There is no ticket costing £22.60 for that route; please can you confirm the amount and also the train operating company you used and the company you travelled with if different? Were you travelling via Burnley or via Stockport?

I bought a return from wilpshere to sheffield which was £24.60, on the return journey I got off at blackburn which I assume is where the £22.60 came from, the route was via stockport, and it was northern rail

 

[bradkennedy]

Sorry! my bad, it was actually £22.30

 

[DaveNewcastle]

I absolutely agree that this should be paid without question for the reason Chapeltom gives. There would be negligible prospect of success from a challenge in Law; the Offence of failing to produce a ticket on demand was committed. Sorry.

The greater offence of "intent to avoid payment" could be challenged, with some risk, but it is unlikely that this would be prosecuted when it is so clear that the lesser charge would succeed.