Paying for wrong ticket

[Jeardley87]

Hi everyone, I could use some help please.
I've just got a train to Manchester and gone to pay for my ticket with one of the ticket chaps and I've told them I traveled from Stockport. I actually travelled from macclesfield (the stope before). Apparently Stockport is closed and so they knew I was lying so I admitted it and was interview by one of the revenue guys. It has literally just happened.
I know I'm in the wrong, my only defence is that I'm unemployed and skint and I was trying to save a bit of money. I never get the train and I know I've been stupid trying to pull a fast one.
I don't want this to escalate, can someone please let me know what I should expect and how to reach the outcome with the least amount of ramifications.

 

[yorkie]

I know I'm in the wrong, my only defence is that I'm unemployed and skint and I was trying to save a bit of money.

That's not a defence. On the contrary, that's an admission of criminal intent to avoid payment of the fare. Therefore, I would not attempt to use this incriminating statement as any form of "defence"!

I never get the train

You just said you got the train, so I think you meant to say you never previously got a train. I don't see how there's any relevance.

and I know I've been stupid trying to pull a fast one.
I don't want this to escalate, can someone please let me know what I should expect and how to reach the outcome with the least amount of ramifications.

Settling out of court will be the best solution, as the settlement would be lower than a fine imposed by a court, plus legal costs. It also avoids a criminal record.

It's entirely up to the Company that caught you (almost certainly Northern) as to whether or not they agree to settle out of court or not. They probably will do though.

 

[Greenback]

If you told them you are unemployed and trying to save some money, then that could be used against you, rather than working in your favour, as it indicates an intent to avoid the correct fare. It's a slim chance but there is the possibility that the company will be tempted to go straight for a criminal prosecution if they have the sort of evidence that would make it an open and shut case.

If you have fallen foul of the train company previously that will decrease the chances of an out of court settlement as well.

All you can do at the moment is to wait for Northern (or whoever it was) to contact you and ask you for your version of events.

 

[Merseysider]

Were you planning on travelling back to Macclesfield later? If so what use would a Stockport ticket be?

I assume it was by Northern staff you were stopped.

You didn't lie about anything else did you? If so, that could make the matter even more serious.

You will be written to and asked to provide a statement or side of events. Sometimes this happens within a week, sometimes it takes up to three months. What is imperative is that you reply to this letter promptly and honestly. Failing to do so will only increase the likelihood of being prosecuted.

 

[Jonfun]

They have been doing a full revenue block this week, so assuming it was still on today, it could be any of Northern, CrossCountry, Virgin or ATW leading proceedings, depending on which exit doorway was used. I don't suppose you recall which company's revenue inspectors stopped you?

Unfortunately, fare evasion from Stoke and Macclesfield into Manchester is very, very high compared to other nearby routes, and is the exact reason these revenue blockades are done periodically As such, I wouldn't expect much sympathy from the prosecutions department.

 

[thenorthern]

When you say Stockport was closed do you mean there was a barrier check there as far as I know it was open yesterday although some trains were very delayed so they may have been set down only.

By the looks of it if the stop before was Macclesfield you were on a Virgin or CrossCountry train for which as other people have said there has been a full revenue check at Piccadilly all week for which they will want to send a clear message that fare dodging is wrong as the amount of free riders on that line is very high and you have admitted you lied about which stop you go on so I would expect that they will intend to prosecute but as the others have said wait till a the send you a letter in the post and give your version of events and hope for the best.

 

[Jeardley87]

If they prosecute. What should I expect to happen?

 

[thenorthern]

If they prosecute. What should I expect to happen?

They may offer you an out of court settlement which if they do accept it but its up to the Revenue Protection at the rail company what happens next.

Otherwise a prosecution may mean a criminal record and possibly a large fine, if they do inform you they intend to prosecute then you will need to get a solicitor in.

 

[Merseysider]

They may offer you an out of court settlement which if they do accept it but its up to the Revenue Protection at the rail company what happens next.

Otherwise a prosecution may mean a criminal record and possibly a large fine, if they do inform you they intend to prosecute then you will need to get a solicitor in.

Correct - and to the OP; don't lose hope even if they do declare a prosecution. Some out of court settlements have been reached at the last minute, thus sidestepping a criminal record.

Whatever the outcome, I hope you learn from this, for your own sake.

 

[DelayRepay]

Otherwise a prosecution may mean a criminal record and possibly a large fine, if they do inform you they intend to prosecute then you will need to get a solicitor in.

You may be able to avoid the expense of a solicitor by pleading guilty - it all depends on how they decide to deal with you. The best advice is wait for them to send you a letter and then come and post the details here. There are different pieces of legislation they can use.

Unfortunately it can take several weeks before you hear from them.

I hope you gave them your correct contact details when interviewed.