Intention to prosecute letter reply

[dumdum73]

I was travelling from Stevenage to Paddington (various trains as it’s a long journey), I thought I had all valid tickets when on the train and when asked to present my ticket for the Stevenage to Farringdon journey my network connection was genuinely not working on the train (neither data or wifi) - so I could not check or present anything and was given a ticket and had to provide a witness statement. I was asked to upload a valid ticket after my journey and given 2 weeks to do this. When i got off the train and checked I realised I did not have a valid ticket for the first journey (not sure if the payment went through). P.s I took the lifts as I had luggage from Stevenage so my ticket wasn’t scanned.

Attached is the letter I’ve received and I’m very worried this is turning into something very serious, not sure how much explanation to give to them and what to say in my reply to them. Please help. Is my reply supposed to be hand written on the last page and then posted to the given address?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 8 Dec 2025 ==

Please if you see my post can you please reply if you have been in a similar situation and got an out of court settlement

 

[Titfield]

Stevenage to Paddington is not normally considered to be a long journey. What tickets did you hold?

If you use the search facility top right of the page you can find many threads which will provide guidance on how to frame a response.

In a nutshell you need to apologise for not having a valid ticket, state that you appreciate what this means - revenue lost and it’s impact on the railway , that this won’t happen again and ask if they will consider offering you an out of court settlement.

 

[dumdum73]

Stevenage to Paddington is not normally considered to be a long journey. What tickets did you hold?

If you use the search facility top right of the page you can find many threads which will provide guidance on how to frame a response.

In a nutshell you need to apologise for not having a valid ticket, state that you appreciate what this means - revenue lost and it’s impact on the railway , that this won’t happen again and ask if they will consider offering you an out of court settlement.

Sorry I meant Stevenage to Birmingham so I had 2 different train tickets and took the tube in between, thanks for the advice!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 8 Dec 2025 ==

Stevenage to Paddington is not normally considered to be a long journey. What tickets did you hold?

If you use the search facility top right of the page you can find many threads which will provide guidance on how to frame a response.

In a nutshell you need to apologise for not having a valid ticket, state that you appreciate what this means - revenue lost and it’s impact on the railway , that this won’t happen again and ask if they will consider offering you an out of court settlement.

Do you think it’s worth giving all my explanation or just admitting it was a misunderstanding/mistake and apologise for it?

 

[Titfield]

They will not be interested in your explanation and if anything it would raise more questions such as why didn’t you buy a through ticket.

Simpler to state that you made a mistake.

You can either write by hand on the form or attach a word processed letter. If you do use a word processed letter then it is essential you put the reference number on the letter in case it becomes detached and also write on the form please see attached letter.

We strongly recommend sending by signed for delivery.

 

[WesternLancer]

Sorry I meant Stevenage to Birmingham so I had 2 different train tickets and took the tube in between, thanks for the advice!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 8 Dec 2025 ==


Do you think it’s worth giving all my explanation or just admitting it was a misunderstanding/mistake and apologise for it?

It’s balance. You need to give enough of an explanation for them to see this was an oversight not an attempt to evade the fare. But not so long as to mean a busy person reading it doesn’t get to the key point which is your apology and offer to pay any outstanding fare owed.

If you post a draft here before you send it people will help check it for you to get it as clear and effective as it can be.

 

[Haywain]

Stevenage to Birmingham so I had 2 different train tickets

But you said:

When i got off the train and checked I realised I did not have a valid ticket for the first journey

It's very important to be clear here, when you were stopped had you already purchased a ticket that covered that part of your journey? And I mean successfully completed the purchase with a ticket received by email or in an app.

 

[dumdum73]

But you said:

It's very important to be clear here, when you were stopped had you already purchased a ticket that covered that part of your journey? And I mean successfully completed the purchase with a ticket received by email or in an app.

No I realised I didn’t have a valid ticket, I thought I did

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 9 Dec 2025 ==

It’s balance. You need to give enough of an explanation for them to see this was an oversight not an attempt to evade the fare. But not so long as to mean a busy person reading it doesn’t get to the key point which is your apology and offer to pay any outstanding fare owed.

If you post a draft here before you send it people will help check it for you to get it as clear and effective as it can be.

Thank you, Ill do that

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 9 Dec 2025 ==

They will not be interested in your explanation and if anything it would raise more questions such as why didn’t you buy a through ticket.

Simpler to state that you made a mistake.

You can either write by hand on the form or attach a word processed letter. If you do use a word processed letter then it is essential you put the reference number on the letter in case it becomes detached and also write on the form please see attached letter.

We strongly recommend sending by signed for deliveryif

They will not be interested in your explanation and if anything it would raise more questions such as why didn’t you buy a through ticket.

Simpler to state that you made a mistake.

You can either write by hand on the form or attach a word processed letter. If you do use a word processed letter then it is essential you put the reference number on the letter in case it becomes detached and also write on the form please see attached letter.

We strongly recommend sending by signed for delivery.

When you say write by hand on the form - do I write the letter on the last (third) page I’ve posted, sign and post it?

 

[AlterEgo]

Basically you didn't have a ticket and were going to use contactless at Farringdon. The Stevenage "fare evaders lift" plus Farringdon trick is well known.

Dont spin them this story, which they won't believe. You didn't buy a ticket and that's that. Apologise for not having a valid ticket, but don't elaborate on the details.

 

[Titfield]

When you say write by hand on the form - do I write the letter on the last (third) page I’ve posted, sign and post it?

Yes on the third page in the space provided. If you need more space then either use the reverse of the page (and clearly mark it PTO) OR use an additional sheet of paper and clearly mark it with the reference number and that it is a continuation of the earlier page (on page 3 write see continuation page).

Yes you must sign it and post it. We recommend that you send it by signed for delivery as this gives proof you sent it and it was received.

Yes keep a copy of all of it.

 

[MarlowDonkey]

Sorry I meant Stevenage to Birmingham so I had 2 different train tickets and took the tube in between, thanks for the advice!

How does that work? If travelling to Birmingham would you not need to go via Euston or Marylebone? Farringdon isn't really on the route to either. as you could change at Kings Cross St Pancras. Whilst it's possible to reach Birmingham from Paddington by changing at Reading, isn't that a long way round?

 

[AlterEgo]

How does that work? If travelling to Birmingham would you not need to go via Euston or Marylebone? Farringdon isn't really on the route to either. as you could change at Kings Cross St Pancras. Whilst it's possible to reach Birmingham from Paddington by changing at Reading, isn't that a long way round?

You can enter the contactless system at Farringdon without passing a "proper" ticket through the barrier, unlike King's Cross. Farringdon trick is very well known. It's an immediate tell on a journey like this.

 

[JBuchananGB]

The OP was checked shortly after leaving Stevenage, found to have no ticket. Journey planners for Stevenage to Birmingham coming Sunday (compared because the journey involved was a Sunday) suggest Stevenage to Finsbury Park, thence to Euston and onward to Birmingham. No reason to be anywhere near Farringdon.
@AlterEgo has nailed in post #8.

 

[Hadders]

If travelling from Stevenage, Farringdon is an appropriate place to change for the H&C to Euston Square. It’s a cross platform interchange and much easier than the spiral staircase at Finsbury Park or the walk through St Pancras.

I personally wouldn’t normally use it but I know journey planners often suggest it, and for those unfamiliar with travelling in London it is a good route to use.

 

[fandroid]

And there's a lift at Euston Square, although you'd need to cross Euston Road after that.

 

[dumdum73]

They will not be interested in your explanation and if anything it would raise more questions such as why didn’t you buy a through ticket.

Simpler to state that you made a mistake.

You can either write by hand on the form or attach a word processed letter. If you do use a word processed letter then it is essential you put the reference number on the letter in case it becomes detached and also write on the form please see attached letter.

We strongly recommend sending by signed for delivery.

This is my draft for the letter, please can I request for genuine recommendations. Thank you.

To the Govia Thameslink Railway Prosecutions Team,

I am writing in response to your letter about the incident on 03 August 2025 during my journey from Stevenage to Farringdon.

I want to sincerely apologise for travelling without a valid ticket. I take full responsibility for what happened and I understand the impact this has on the railway. I know how important it is to have the correct ticket before travelling, and I want to assure you that this was a genuine mistake and not something I would ever intend to do.

This is the first time I have ever been involved in anything like this, and I am genuinely upset and regretful about it. I will make sure that every journey I take in the future is properly ticketed.

I kindly ask for the chance to settle this matter directly with Govia Thameslink Railway so that it does not need to go to court. I am fully willing to pay the outstanding fare, administrative charges, or any reasonable costs related to this incident.


Thank you for taking the time to read my explanation. I truly appreciate your understanding and consideration.

 

[30907]

Just "assuring" them that you made a "genuine mistake" may not wash (see post #11) so perhaps you should explain briefly how it happened - your online history might allow you to say where and when you attempted to buy the Stevenage ticket.

 

[dumdum73]

Just "assuring" them that you made a "genuine mistake" may not wash (see post #11) so perhaps you should explain briefly how it happened - your online history might allow you to say where and when you attempted to buy the Stevenage ticket.

I remember when I was on the train and got asked for my ticket I panicked and tried to access the app to buy one at the spot but by the time the ticket officer was there and when he asked me if I had a valid ticket I replied saying “Yes” out of panic. He asked some questions, took my witness statement (where I lied saying I had a valid ticket but the app wasnt working due to no connection, it genuinely wasnt), then he gave me a ticket saying I was supposed to upload the valid ticket on a website within 2 weeks.

 

[30907]

I remember when I was on the train and got asked for my ticket I panicked and tried to access the app to buy one at the spot but by the time the ticket officer was there and when he asked me if I had a valid ticket I replied saying “Yes” out of panic. He asked some questions, took my witness statement (where I lied saying I had a valid ticket but the app wasnt working due to no connection, it genuinely wasnt), then he gave me a ticket saying I was supposed to upload the valid ticket on a website within 2 weeks.

Thanks, I was meaning before you boarded at Stevenage when you say you attempted to buy a ticket

 

[dumdum73]

I received the attached letter as I told the inspector I had a valid ticket (lied) but couldn’t access it digitally (due to connection issues on the train) - next they issued a temporary ticket, took my witness statement and asked me to upload the valid ticket online. I admit I made a huge mistake by lying in the moment, but I panicked. I dont want to explicitly state the story in the letter as it may pose against me. Please let me know what’s best to say in this case.

Please see the draft letter response and give any suggestions

Letter

Dear GTR,

I am writing regarding the incident on Sunday, 3rd August 2025, during my journey from Stevenage to Farringdon.

At the time of inspection, I was unable to present a valid ticket. The inspector recorded my details and issued a temporary ticket, explaining that I could submit a valid ticket later via the link provided. A witness statement was also recorded.

I now confirm that I had not purchased a valid ticket for this journey. I take full responsibility for travelling without a valid ticket and sincerely apologise for this mistake.

I fully understand the seriousness of travelling without a valid ticket and the wider impact this has in terms of costs that could otherwise be invested in improving rail services. I deeply regret my actions, have learned my lesson, and do not intend to repeat this in the future. This was the first time I have been involved in any matter of this kind, and I am truly remorseful.

I am ready to resolve this matter immediately and am willing to pay the outstanding fare, along with any reasonable administrative charges or costs, so that this matter does not need to proceed to court.

 

[z444z]

This was the first time I have been involved in any matter of this kind

Is this true, or is it just the first time you’ve been caught? Honestly either way there’s not much point saying this, they haven’t mentioned any other instances yet so don’t mention them.

I am ready to resolve this matter immediately and am willing to pay the outstanding fare, along with any reasonable administrative charges or costs, so that this matter does not need to proceed to court.

You need to be asking them for a settlement, not telling them you’re ready to pay one. They hold all the cards here.

I’d suggest something like:

REFERENCE: [INSERT REFERENCE]

To whom it may concern,

I am writing in response to your letter dated [INSERT DATE] regarding the incident on Sunday, 3rd August 2025 during my journey from Stevenage to Farringdon.

At the time of inspection, I was unable to present a valid ticket, and can confirm that I had not purchased a ticket for this journey. I take full responsibility for travelling without a valid ticket and sincerely apologise for this - I now understand the impact this has on the railway. I deeply regret my actions and can assure you this will not happen again.

I would be very grateful if you would allow me to settle the matter by paying the fare due as well as your administrative costs.

Yours faithfully,
[INSERT FULL NAME]

You should use tracked postage and make sure it is marked as delivered before the date they’ve asked you to reply by.

If there’s enough time before the deadline, I’d suggest waiting to post this until Tuesday or Wednesday, as others may have further input on how best to respond.

 

[dumdum73]

Is this true, or is it just the first time you’ve been caught? Honestly either way there’s not much point saying this, they haven’t mentioned any other instances yet so don’t mention them.

You need to be asking them for a settlement, not telling them you’re ready to pay one. They hold all the cards here.

I’d suggest something like:

You should use tracked postage and make sure it is marked as delivered before the date they’ve asked you to reply by.

If there’s enough time before the deadline, I’d suggest waiting to post this until Tuesday or Wednesday, as others may have further input on how best to respond.

Yes this is the first time this has happened. Thank you so much for your advice!

 

[John R]

Yes this is the first time this has happened. Thank you so much for your advice!

It’s the first time you have been caught , or the first time you have travelled without a valid ticket for your whole journey?

 

[dumdum73]

It’s the first time you have been caught , or the first time you have travelled without a valid ticket for your whole journey?

This was the first time an incident like this happened and I usually have a valid ticket for the whole journey.

 

[John R]

“usually” is an interesting word to use. Not “always”?

 

[dumdum73]

“usually” is an interesting word to use. Not “always”?

I take the same train about 3-4 times a month so I was meaning to say whenever I travel I have the right ticket and if asked to present a ticket I have been able to do so. There’s only really one more long train I take a few times a month and I also have a valid ticket for that because I buy an open return for it. I don’t really travel a lot apart from this.

 

[John R]

Thank you for that clarification.

 

[WesternLancer]

I take the same train about 3-4 times a month so I was meaning to say whenever I travel I have the right ticket and if asked to present a ticket I have been able to do so. There’s only really one more long train I take a few times a month and I also have a valid ticket for that because I buy an open return for it. I don’t really travel a lot apart from this.

Suggested amendments in post #20 look helpful.

Keep a copy of everything, post it tracked postage from a post office as mentioned. Keep a copy of the tracking record.