Made a stupid mistake - provided false info

[StPaddz]

Hello, any help would be appreciated

Today I was stopped by an inspector for Transport Investigates in Chester.

I had travelled from Mton Keynes with a split ticket, changing at Crewe.

After exiting the barriers the inspector asked for my ticket and railcard. At this point I noticed that my railcard had expired.

I was interviewed under caution had a photo of my ID taken. However when filling in the name and address I foolishly lied about my last name and first line of address. This will be immediately obvious because they have a picture of my ID.

I don't travel by train much, and I booked the ticket before my railcard expired. I know this doesn't excuse the offence. I'm really anxious now because I know I've made things so much worse by giving false information.

I was flustered I made a huge error of judgment in the moment and want to rectify it. I'm really worried they will now take what could have been a moderate case as very serious and make an example of me. A prosecution could be very damaging to my career and I'm freaking out.

 

[alholmes]

These types of incidents can usually be resolved by engaging with the train company and being offered an out of court settlement.

But the problem here is that you gave them the wrong address, so it’s not going to be very easy for you to engage in the process if you don’t receive the letters they send. And if they get no response, it ends up in court and you’ll be found guilty.

Did they give you any paperwork or receipt? If so, upload a copy of it here, remembering to redact any personal information.

 

[John R]

Can you confirm how you bought your ticket? if it was online then they won’t will have a means of contacting you eventually. Although that doesn’t mean that they first write to the wrong address, don’t get a reply, and then proceed to prosecution. Once convicted, it would then be down to the court authorities to find you, which by all accounts they are very adept at doing.

So it may be worth getting in touch, and letting them know both the incorrect name and address, and your correct ones, along with some details as to when and where you were stopped, and why.

 

[StPaddz]

I have attached the paperwork they gave me. I bough the ticket using Train line on the 30th June, which is the day 26-30 my railcard expired. I have now renewed it, and did so before making the return journey this evening.

I may have access to the letter if it is delivered to the address I provided.

I feel like such an idiot...

 

[alholmes]

Suggest you write to TIL at the address on the receipt, quoting any reference number you have, to advise them of your correct details. Then wait for the letter to arrive, which you can post on here for advice on how to respond.

The fact that you gave false surname and address probably won be an issue - ultimately they just want to get money out of you.

 

[StPaddz]

Okay thanks @alholmes

When he pulled me aside I was expecting a FPN. But then he started reading my rights and talking about an investigation and I just panicked..

Will post the letter here when it arrives

 

[FuzzyDuck]

When he pulled me aside I was expecting a FPN. But then he started reading my rights and talking about an investigation and I just panicked..

Because there is a chance there might be previous journeys with the expired railcard applied, they need to investigate your journey history. Hence why there was no penalty fare offered.