im 16 will i be prosecuted?

[abitconfused]

the other day me and my friend found a freedom pass on the floor and decided to see if it worked. It did so he decided to use it for the next couple of days to get to and from school since he lives far until today. when we ended up at a station which had ticket inspectors he gave me the freedom pass and used his normal zip card since i had no money on mine and we both tapped through however i was quickly stopped by a ticket inspector and had to show what i had tapped in with. i showed my zip and because i did not tap in it showed red and i tried to make it out as it was a glitch and kept walking with my mate until i was stopped by btp. they took the freedom pass off me and at first were very argumentative saying i was commiting fraud plus a 1000£ fine and will be put into custody however i spoke to another officer who was much nicer and took my name and took me to customs where i had to pay £40 fine out of my savings. im just worried incase i now have to go to court after seeing all what’s happened to other people on this forum despite the btp or tfl not mentioning anything about a court summons and criminal record. i saw in tfl guidelines that they dont prosecute under 18s but does that mean i’ll be fine since im 16 and already paid a fine?

 

[gray1404]

Sounds like you have paid a penalty fare so that will be the end of the matter. You just need to make sure you don't come onto their radar again by making sure you have a valid ticket in future.

 

[Fawkes Cat]

Sounds like you have paid a penalty fare so that will be the end of the matter. You just need to make sure you don't come onto their radar again by making sure you have a valid ticket in future.

To emphasize what has been said here, have a look at TfL's
Revenue Enforcement
and Prosecutions Policy (https://content.tfl.gov.uk/revenue-enforcement-and-prosecution-policy.pdf)

5. Young Offenders
5.1 TfL will not normally prosecute any person under the age of 18 on the
day of the relevant offence. This is in line with the Home Office guidelines
of diverting youths away where possible, from the criminal justice system.
However where the offence is of a serious nature, TfL may prosecute or
in appropriate cases refer such an offence to the Police.
TfL considers the following offences to be of a serious nature:
(...)
e) Repeat offences of any nature or offences committed after a
previous warning.
(...)
g) Any other offence(s) where it is in the public interest to prosecute.

Clause 5.1(e) means that you can be prosecuted if you do it (or something similar) again.

 

[island]

Regardless of age, if a Penalty Fare has been issued and paid, that is normally the end of the matter.

You are now on their radar so to speak, so it is essential you ensure you stay on the straight and narrow and pay your fare going forward – and if you’re 16, that means adult fare, unless you’ve purchased a discount card.

 

[gray1404]

You are extremely lucky that this has been dispensed of by way of a penalty fare. Freedom Pass misuse is something that TFL takes extremely seriously and quite honestly it costs them thousands every year. They normally prosecute for such misuse. However I know she say it was the British Transport Police that took the card off you. There is a possibility that they may also pursue a prosecution so you'll have to wait and see if they get in touch with you. Transport for London mail so decide to cancel the penalty fare and refund it to you and issue criminal proceedings instead.

In all likelihood though given that you have paid the penalty that is most probably the end of the matter.