Please help me with response advice to a prosecution letter!

[john2938]

Hi all,

I am desperately seeking advice on how to respond to this prosecution letter. I am guilty of bunking the train fare and have now received this letter. I want to email immediately expressing my deepest regrets so that I can get an out-of-court settlement and receive a fine that can be paid immediately.

Can anyone at all help with this? I'm not sure how to word it as this has never happened before!

What's the likelihood of a response to this? Is it likely to be an out-of-court settlement or a court settlement? And if a court settlement, how can I request to pay the fine immediately in full to avoid the court?

Any help is much appreciated.
Thank you

 

[AlterEgo]

Could you tell us exactly what you mean by “bunking the fare”? What has happened exactly, on how many occasions, what, if any tickets were held and did you make any admission to the people who stopped you?

 

[john2938]

Could you tell us exactly what you mean by “bunking the fare”? What has happened exactly, on how many occasions, what, if any tickets were held and did you make any admission to the people who stopped you?

Hi there, I bought the wrong ticket to get a cheaper fare, and got stopped by a staff member at St Pancras. I am so so sad that this has happened. I immediately admitted to the person that stopped me. I am drafting the response letter now that I plan to email them but I'm not sure exactly what to say.

 

[Gloster]

Hi there, I bought the wrong ticket to get a cheaper fare, and got stopped by a staff member at St Pancras. I am so so sad that this has happened. I immediately admitted to the person that stopped me. I am drafting the response letter now that I plan to email them but I'm not sure exactly what to say.

In what way did you buy ‘the wrong ticket’. Was it a child ticket, one with a Railcard reduction for a Railcard you didn’t have, from a nearer station to St Pancras than the one you boarded at, or what?

 

[john2938]

In what way did you buy ‘the wrong ticket’. Was it a child ticket, one with a Railcard reduction for a Railcard you didn’t have, from a nearer station to St Pancras than the one you boarded at, or what?

That's correct, it was from Stratford International instead of the farther away station

 

[swt_passenger]

That's correct, it was from Stratford International instead of the farther away station

Was it a one off, was it bought cash, or through an online account? If you’ve done it before they’ll almost certainly be able to find out.

 

[john2938]

Thank you for your response. It happened before and was online. I am terrified, I am just writing up an honest letter of apology and asking for an out of court settlement.

 

[Hadders]

You will find plenty of example letters in this section of the forum. My usual advice is to write a short, concise reply mentioning the following points:

- That you are sorry for what has happened
- What you have learned from the incident
- That you are keen to settle the matter without the need for court action
- Offer to pay the outstanding fare and the train company's administrative costs in dealing with the matter

If you post a copy of your draft reply in this thread forum members will proof read it for you.

 

[john2938]

You will find plenty of example letters in this section of the forum. My usual advice is to write a short, concise reply mentioning the following points:

- That you are sorry for what has happened
- What you have learned from the incident
- That you are keen to settle the matter without the need for court action
- Offer to pay the outstanding fare and the train company's administrative costs in dealing with the matter

If you post a copy of your draft reply in this thread forum members will proof read it for you.

Hi there Hadders, thanks for reaching out. If it's ok I have a question, in what format do I write this letter? Just as an email to the email on the letter, or as a PDF with all details in a formal letter format attached to the email? I also heard that a handwritten note has been very effective in the past? I am thinking of doing both and adding a comment that I wanted to make sure it would arrive in time.


Draft: (Maybe too desperate sounding? But it's really just how I feel).


Dear Southeastern Prosecutions Manager,

I do not dispute the details of the letter and take full responsibility for my actions. I would like to pay what I owe to Southeastern in full immediately.

On Date 2024, I was questioned by a member of rail staff at London St Pancras station for the wrong use of a ticket from Stratford International when travelling from *.

My actions were completely wrong and I have immense shame and embarrassment. This is entirely out of character and the subsequent guilt has been insufferable. When questioned by your staff member I admitted immediately, providing my details along with my sincerest apologies.

I understand the gravity of my actions and I am desperate to pay what I owe to Southeastern. I have worked very hard and I am so, so sorry to have done something so irresponsible and caused financial losses to your company. I am a good person and I have learnt from this with deep self-reflection, and will never, ever make this awful mistake again.

I beg you to settle this matter without court action. I am prepared to pay what I owe immediately to Southeastern in full, to make up for my actions, and will cover any administrative costs that occurred handling the issue.

I will never evade a train fare again, and never not adhere to rail regulations. Please allow me to compensate for this by paying what I owe to Southeastern in an out-of-court settlement.

My deepest and sincerest apologies,
Name.

 

[30907]

Thank you for your response. It happened before and was online. I am terrified, I am just writing up an honest letter of apology and asking for an out of court settlement.

Bear in mind that SE will be investigating your travel history and regular journeys from Stratford will catch their eye. Be prepared for a settlement that covers the full fare for each of the journeys from your home - it may be at that level plus admin costs. Also check your own history so you can work out a ballpark figure, and whether there are any journeys that look suspicious but are legit.

 

[john2938]

Bear in mind that SE will be investigating your travel history and regular journeys from Stratford will catch their eye. Be prepared for a settlement that covers the full fare for each of the journeys from your home - it may be at that level plus admin costs. Also check your own history so you can work out a ballpark figure, and whether there are any journeys that look suspicious but are legit.

They will see around 25 tickets from the illegitimate station over 4 months. I have amended my letter apologising for short faring, saying that since the day I was stopped I have began saving and am now prepared to pay to Southeastern what I owe in full, immediately, to compensate for my short-faring.

I read that if you highlight you can pay immediately, not in instalments, you have a better chance at getting out-of-court settlement. I'm really panicking here. At this point I'm just expecting to get an in court summons and reassuring myself that train-fare convictions will be partially crippling, but won't ruin my life, and most jobs when I earnestly explain it was an awful silly mistake will be understanding. (I haven't had anxiety like this since my late teens I forgot how harrowing it feels.)

 

[30907]

Your draft sounds desperate and suspiciously like one assisted by AI. Sleep on it (as you have time in hand), cut out the stuff about your feelings of shame etc - and particularly delete:
"entirely out of character"
because your ticketing history will prove otherwise.

Hope that helps

 

[john2938]

Your draft sounds desperate and suspiciously like one assisted by AI. Sleep on it (as you have time in hand), cut out the stuff about your feelings of shame etc - and particularly delete:
"entirely out of character"
because your ticketing history will prove otherwise.

Hope that helps

No AI involved, but will cut down on the words and make it less desperate... More meant as in the last 4 month is out of character of the last 23 years

Thanks for your help. Do you think it will likely be a court summons?

I will please take any advice I can get.

 

[john2938]

Hello, I have learnt from these forums some tips on how to respond to the initial SE prosecution letter, but would appreciate some clarity as to what format it should be?

As in, (1) simply plain text in email, (2) a formal PDF document in correct letter format attached to an email, or (3) something else.

A few peers have stated that a hand-written letter 'is more effective' but I have read nothing of that on here.

I received the letter last night and am cautious of time running out so hope it's ok to pop another question on here.

Many thanks. If you would like further info I made another thread recently with an image of the prosecution letter (or please just ask).

 

[Fawkes Cat]

Hello, I have learnt from these forums some tips on how to respond to the initial SE prosecution letter, but would appreciate some clarity as to what format it should be?

As in, (1) simply plain text in email, (2) a formal PDF document in correct letter format attached to an email, or (3) something else.

A few peers have stated that a hand-written letter 'is more effective' but I have read nothing of that on here.

I received the letter last night and am cautious of time running out so hope it's ok to pop another question on here.

Many thanks. If you would like further info I made another thread recently with an image of the prosecution letter (or please just ask).

Our general advice is typed (or word processed) rather than handwritten: unless you have exceptionally neat and readable handwriting, any benefit from the 'personal touch' will be lost through the recipient struggling to read what you have said.

And it's my view that 'the personal touch' is probably overstated. The impression I get is that by far the most important thing is that you keep in touch with the railway: after that what matters is that you can convince them that you will not offend again. Only then do issues such as 'is the letter nicely styled' and 'is everything grammatically correct/properly spelt' come into play. And I would suggest that the precise layout of the letter (i.e. a pdf rather than plain text in an email) is even less important than those points.

So write clearly, in easy to read typing and with good enough grammar and spelling that your message is understood. Prioritise getting across the message that you will not fare dodge again, and you are prepared to pay up the fare you should have paid and the cost of the investigation. Be polite. But otherwise, don't worry too much about the format.

 

[John R]

And to add to what @Fawkes Cat has said, try and do it in your own words, without resorting to the use of AI, as such letters tend to be OTT and will be spotted a mile off. Your own words will feel much more genuine.

Edit: now the two threads have been linked I can see this has already been covered and addressed. Apols.

 

[john2938]

And to add to what @Fawkes Cat has said, try and do it in your own words, without resorting to the use of AI, as such letters tend to be OTT and will be spotted a mile off. Your own words will feel much more genuine.

Edit: now the two threads have been linked I can see this has already been covered and addressed. Apols.

It's ok, thanks. Do you know how long I have to send this email? It is better to send it ASAP, or should am I ok to send it 2 days after receiving the letter? (I want to get as much advice from this forum before sending it off...)

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 18 Jul 2024 ==

Our general advice is typed (or word processed) rather than handwritten: unless you have exceptionally neat and readable handwriting, any benefit from the 'personal touch' will be lost through the recipient struggling to read what you have said.

And it's my view that 'the personal touch' is probably overstated. The impression I get is that by far the most important thing is that you keep in touch with the railway: after that what matters is that you can convince them that you will not offend again. Only then do issues such as 'is the letter nicely styled' and 'is everything grammatically correct/properly spelt' come into play. And I would suggest that the precise layout of the letter (i.e. a pdf rather than plain text in an email) is even less important than those points.

So write clearly, in easy to read typing and with good enough grammar and spelling that your message is understood. Prioritise getting across the message that you will not fare dodge again, and you are prepared to pay up the fare you should have paid and the cost of the investigation. Be polite. But otherwise, don't worry too much about the format.

I have pretty good handwriting but not beautiful. So, plain text in an email. Thank you

 

[notmyrealname]

Hi.

Their letter is dated 16th July and gives you 21 days to reply. It's better to take longer over your reply to get it as good as it can be.

 

[john2938]

I have re-drafted and am going to sleep on this and send it tomorrow unless I receive any further advice (all and any is majorly appreciated)

Dear Southeastern Prosecutions Manager,

I do not dispute the details of the letter, reference number XXX, and take full responsibility for my actions.

Please note I gave the guard my correct address, however the letter was sent to my previous address at XXX. My current address is XXX.

On XXX 2024, I was questioned by a member of rail staff at London St Pancras station for the wrong use of a ticket from Stratford International when travelling from XXX.

I am so, so sorry. It was immature and irresponsible to be short-faring, and I have deeply learned from my actions. When questioned by your staff member I admitted my actions, providing my details along with my sincerest apologies. Since XXX I have purchased Anytime Day Return tickets and taken extra measures to save money so I can pay back what I owe.

I am now prepared to pay everything I owe in full to Southeastern immediately, to make up for my short-faring, in an out-of-court settlement. I also wish to cover any administrative, investigative or any extra costs that occurred while handling the issue.

I have worked very hard and I am appalled in my complete error of judgement. I am a good person and I have learnt from this with deep self-reflection, and will never, ever short-fare or not adhere to rail regulations again. Please allow me to compensate for this by paying in full in an out-of-court settlement.

My sincerest apologies,
XXX

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 18 Jul 2024 ==

Hi.

Their letter is dated 16th July and gives you 21 days to reply. It's better to take longer over your reply to get it as good as it can be.

Thanks! I will take some more time then.

 

[WesternLancer]

It's ok, thanks. Do you know how long I have to send this email? It is better to send it ASAP, or should am I ok to send it 2 days after receiving the letter? (I want to get as much advise from this forum before sending it off...)

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 18 Jul 2024 ==


I have pretty good handwriting but not beautiful. So, plain text in an email. Thank you

You've got 21 days from 16 July according to the letter so make sure you don't lave it until the last day to send it (and you may wish to send a hard copy in the post to ensure it reaches them in time) but you have enough time to get feedback on a draft here so that you can get your response as good as it can be. People here seem to comment on drafts in the 24 to 48 hours after ppl post their drafts so you can factor that in in terms of when you send your reply

As to the draft I think the tone of the request to ask for a settlement needs adjusting - eg more of an ask 'if they would be kind enough to allow' type of thing

eg - 'I would be most grateful if you would be prepared to sympathetically consider my request to resolve this matter without the need for court action'
sort of wording towards the end.

 

[Hadders]

I would type the letter out, sign it and either post it to Southeastern or Alternatively attach it to an email to them.

 

[john2938]

You've got 21 days from 16 July according to the letter so make sure you don't lave it until the last day to send it (and you may wish to send a hard copy in the post to ensure it reaches them in time) but you have enough time to get feedback on a draft here so that you can get your response as good as it can be. People here seem to comment on drafts in the 24 to 48 hours after ppl post their drafts so you can factor that in in terms of when you send your reply

As to the draft I think the tone of the request to ask for a settlement needs adjusting - eg more of an ask 'if they would be kind enough to allow' type of thing

eg - 'I would be most grateful if you would be prepared to sympathetically consider my request to resolve this matter without the need for court action'
sort of wording towards the end.

This is beyond helpful. Thank you. I will rewrite soon and repost it

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 18 Jul 2024 ==

I would type the letter out, sign it and either post it to Southeastern or Alternatively attach it to an email to them.

Sign it as in just a typed out name?

 

[Titfield]

This is beyond helpful. Thank you. I will rewrite soon and repost it

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 18 Jul 2024 ==


Sign it as in just a typed out name?

Sign as in with a pen if at all possible. It shows that you have taken some care with it.

 

[antharro]

Only one edit and one suggestion from me. My edits are in bold and bold strikethrough, comments in bold italics.



I am so, so sorry. It was immature and irresponsible to be short-faring, and I have deeply learned from my actions. When questioned by your staff member I admitted my actions, providing my details along with my sincerest apologies. Since XXX I have purchased Anytime Day Return tickets and taken extra measures to save money so I can pay back what I owe. Is there a suitable railcard you can buy that would help with your journey costs? If so, buy it now and state this in the letter, probably right here. It shows intent.

I am now prepared to pay everything I owe in full I would like to offer to pay whatever amount Southeastern proposes to make up for my short-faring, in as an out-of-court settlement. I also wish to cover any administrative, investigative or any extra costs that occurred while handling the issue. <--- It's irrelevant to them whether you're prepared to pay or not. Make it look like you're willing to do whatever it takes to settle this out of court - any amount.

 

[MotCO]

Your draft hits the right notes, but I think it can do with a bit of 'polishing'. My suggested rewording is as follows:

Dear Southeastern Prosecutions Manager,

Re Ref xxxxxxxxx

Thank you for your letter dated xxxx. I do not dispute its contents the details of the letter, reference number XXX, and take full responsibility for my actions.

Please note that, although I gave the guard my correct address, however the letter was sent to my previous address at XXX. My current address is XXX.

On XXX 2024, I was questioned by a member of rail staff at London St Pancras station for the wrong use of a ticket from Stratford International when travelling from XXX.

I am so, so sorry. It was immature and irresponsible to be short-faring, and I have deeply learned from my actions. When questioned by your staff member I admitted my actions, providing my details along with my sincerest apologies. Since XXX I have purchased Anytime Day Return tickets and taken extra measures to save money so I can pay back what I owe.

I am now prepared to pay everything I owe in full to Southeastern immediately, to make up for my short-faring, in an out-of-court settlement. I also wish to cover any administrative, investigative or any extra costs that occurred while handling the issue.

I have worked very hard and I am appalled in my complete error of judgement. I am a good person and I have learnt from this with deep self-reflection, and will never, ever short-fare or not adhere to rail regulations again. Please allow me to compensate for this by paying in full in an out-of-court settlement.

My sincerest apologies,
XXX


The other thing to think about is whether there are any (legitimate ) ways in which the cost of your commute can be reduced. For example, would a season ticket work out cheaper? Are you entitled to any railcards, but please check the terms and conditions - some have a minimum £12 fare.

 

[john2938]

Your draft hits the right notes, but I think it can do with a bit of 'polishing'. My suggested rewording is as follows:

Dear Southeastern Prosecutions Manager,

Re Ref xxxxxxxxx

Thank you for your letter dated xxxx. I do not dispute its contents the details of the letter, reference number XXX, and take full responsibility for my actions.

Please note that, although I gave the guard my correct address, however the letter was sent to my previous address at XXX. My current address is XXX.

On XXX 2024, I was questioned by a member of rail staff at London St Pancras station for the wrong use of a ticket from Stratford International when travelling from XXX.

I am so, so sorry. It was immature and irresponsible to be short-faring, and I have deeply learned from my actions. When questioned by your staff member I admitted my actions, providing my details along with my sincerest apologies. Since XXX I have purchased Anytime Day Return tickets and taken extra measures to save money so I can pay back what I owe.

I am now prepared to pay everything I owe in full to Southeastern immediately, to make up for my short-faring, in an out-of-court settlement. I also wish to cover any administrative, investigative or any extra costs that occurred while handling the issue.

I have worked very hard and I am appalled in my complete error of judgement. I am a good person and I have learnt from this with deep self-reflection, and will never, ever short-fare or not adhere to rail regulations again. Please allow me to compensate for this by paying in full in an out-of-court settlement.

My sincerest apologies,
XXX


The other thing to think about is whether there are any (legitimate ) ways in which the cost of your commute can be reduced. For example, would a season ticket work out cheaper? Are you entitled to any railcards, but please check the terms and conditions - some have a minimum £12 fare.

I have the 16-25 Railcard I've had it for ages. I would buy a Flexi Ticket to show intent but I am going to be working from home more days this month so would end up losing money. But entirely prepared to do it if it betters my chances.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 19 Jul 2024 ==

Taking on all the advice I have ended up here. So I will send plain text in an email, not PDF, with my hand-written signature scanned and added to the bottom of the email? Also sending a hard copy that has been hand-signed to Southeastern's address? Sorry to repeat questions. Cortisol is quickly killing off my brain cells.


Dear Southeastern Prosecutions Manager,

Re Ref xxxxxxxxx

Thank you for your letter dated XXX. I do not dispute its contents and take full responsibility for my actions.

Please note that, although I gave the guard my correct address, the letter was sent to my previous address at XXX. My current address is XXX.

On DATE, I was questioned by a member of rail staff at London St Pancras station for the wrong use of a ticket from Stratford International when travelling from XXX.

I am so, so sorry. It was immature and irresponsible to be short-faring, and I have deeply learned from my actions. When questioned by your staff member I admitted my actions, providing my details along with my sincerest apologies. Since XXX I have strictly purchased Anytime Day Return tickets, utilising my 16-25 Railcard, and taken budgeting measures to save money and pay back what I owe.

I have worked very hard and I am appalled by my prolonged lapse in judgement. I am a good person and I have learnt from this with deep self-reflection, and from DATE made the immediate, easy decision to never ever short-fare or not adhere to rail regulations again.

I would be most grateful if you would be prepared to sympathetically consider my request to resolve this matter without the need for court action. I wish to pay what Southeastern proposes to make up for my short-faring, whatever the amount, as an out-of-court settlement. I also wish to cover any administrative, investigative or any extra costs that occurred while handling this issue.

Thank you for your consideration, and once again, I am so sorry to have done this, and I can earnestly promise it will never happen again in any shape or form.

My sincerest apologies,
XXX

 

[MotCO]

Sounds good to me. Yes, send by email if that is what they have suggested, and if you want to send a hard copy by post, that is also good, but send 'Signed for' from your local Post Office - that will give you evidence that it was received.

 

[antharro]

Looking good to me. And MotCO's advice is on point.

 

[john2938]

Thank you so much. I will send off tomorrow evening if no further advice

 

[john2938]

I got the response from Southeastern!