Notice of intention to prosecute

[jimwhite123]

Hi there,

On the 1st of August I was caught at Brighton station with a ticket from Preston park to Brighton (plus railcard) despite my railcard having expired a few months prior. The officer took my details down, which I fully complied, and sent it off to be investigated. I have just received a letter with intention to prosecute.

I have short ticketed a fair few times - including that day - I know now how irresponsible this is but I was a masters student living in brighton really struggling to afford it. I’m really frustrated at myself as I never thought it would lead to something like this but I really want to avoid a criminal record and any court appearances as this will really damage my chances of getting a good career.

I have composed a letter, but I am unsure as to how much I should include - as in whether I mention about short ticketing or if I just tell them about the invalid railcard?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

I have posted the drafted letter below.

Dear Govia Thameslink,



Reference number:


I am writing in response to your letter regarding your notice of intention to prosecute, which I received on the 6th of December 2025. I appreciate you giving me the opportunity to respond.


On Friday the 1st of August 2025 at 10:18AM, my details were taken down by a member of your Revenue Protection Team at Brighton station. I had purchased a ticket which included a railcard, despite my railcard having expired. I deeply regret this mistake and have now come to realise the extent and severity of my actions. I sincerely apologise for my actions and understand that travelling without a valid ticket is a serious offence.


I am committed to resolving this issue promptly, and I intend to fully compensate Govia Thameslink. I would greatly appreciate if it would be possible to resolve this matter outside of court by paying Thameslink the outstanding fare, and any administrative costs that have been accumulated. I am fully prepared to make immediate payment.


I deeply regret my actions and I assure you that this incident has, and will continue to, serve as a valuable lesson. I will ensure that this does not happen again and I apologise for the time wasted and inconvenience that I have caused.


I would also like to inform you that I will not be in the country from the dates 30th January 2026 until May 1st 2026. The address that you have sent this letter to is my parents’ address and I have given them permission to open any letters received from Thameslink addressed to me, however they are also expecting to be out of the country for the month of February 2026.



Thank you for your understanding.



Yours sincerely,

 

[AlterEgo]

I think your response cannibalises some others on the forum. "Committed to resolving this issue promptly" has been used as a phrase so many times and it has its origins in ChatGPT. We are now well into the realms of AI slop I'm afraid! See also: https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/thameslink-accidental-fare-evasion.269300/#post-6815293 - did you partially copy this letter or

The letter is too insincere because it amplifies what you did into the crime of the century but uses less direct language to apologise for it. Travelling without a railcard is not a *serious* offence, for example. It is just an offence. The last part tacked on about your absence from the country is written in a different tone of voice to the rest of the letter, and sounds like it has been written by you!

Just write it again but use your own words; maybe this is a generational thing but the classic AI tell tale signs are all in your letter (except the last bit) and I would not be impressed to receive it.

 

[jimwhite123]

Thank you! Yes, I did pinch phrases from other posts so I will be sure to edit that. I didn’t use AI but they might’ve so I will modify that, thank you.

Regarding the offence, whilst the officer originally caught me because my railcard was invalid, he did notice that I had purchased the ticket about 2 minutes prior to speaking with him, so I am unsure if he added that into the report or not and whether I should mention that?

 

[AlterEgo]

They haven't asked you about it so don't mention it. They may send a follow up letter if they detect the short faring at a later stage of the investigation.

 

[jfollows]

I agree, don’t incriminate yourself by writing about other things than they’ve asked about. Stick to responding to them honestly but don’t change the subject.

 

[jimwhite123]

Ok perfect thank you very much! I will work on re-drafting the letter and will post a revised version. Thank you for your help

 

[WesternLancer]

Shorten it if possible.

 

[jimwhite123]

I have drafted a new letter.
——————————————
Dear Govia Thameslink Railway,


Reference number:


I am writing in response to your letter dated 6 December 2025 regarding the intention to prosecute.


On 1 August 2025, I was stopped at Brighton station after travelling with a ticket that included a railcard discount, even though my railcard had expired. I understand this was not valid for travel, and I want to apologise for my actions. I should have checked the expiry date properly, and I accept responsibility for the situation.


I would be grateful if you would consider allowing me to settle this matter directly by paying the outstanding fare and any associated costs. I am able to make payment immediately if this option is available.


This has been a wake-up call, and I will make sure I keep my tickets and railcard in order in future. I am sorry for the inconvenience caused.


I also wanted to mention that I will be outside the UK from 30 January to 1 May 2026. The address you have on record is my parents’ home; they will open letters on my behalf, but they may be away for part of February.


Thank you for taking the time to consider my response.


Yours sincerely,
————————————————
Do you think this response is more appropriate?