Prosecution email

[rezza9i8]

I was filed for a report of prosecution. In summary, I was sent an excel spreadsheet to fill in - admitting my true start and finish destinations, if I had a railcard, etc etc. The email goes on to suggest seeking fare evasion legal advice (should I?), and that If I am to give a truthful account there will be the opportunity to settle it out-of-court.

My question is, how should I reply to this email in the sense of, should I follow @Hadders template, which is as follows below:
- 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

OR, should I wait for the follow up email once I have sent my spreadsheet. I don't want to come across as blunt by just sending back my spreadsheet, as I am remorseful and have promised myself to never get in this situation again. However, unsure if sending my apology would be correct at the moment seeing as my investigator was just asking for information at this stage. What do you think?

Any help appreciated, thank you.

 

[Titfield]

I think your response would be more favourably received if you sent both the spreadsheet and the apology etc together.

Not to apologise when you are providing the proof of your wrong doing would seem to me to demonstrate an attitude contrary to the one you wish to give bearing in mind you are trying to convince them of your remorse, contrition and that you will not repeat this behaviour.

 

[Hadders]

Presumably they want you to complete the spreadsheet with details of the journeys where you didn’t pay the correct fare. Be aware that they will cross reference this with your online ticket purchasing details so make sure carry out your own research so you get this right.

I’d return the spreadsheet with a covering letter including the points I recommend.

 

[John R]

Re the question regarding legal advice, the door is clearly open to you to be offered a settlement, so I don’t see the need for it at this stage.

But do fill in the spreadsheet accurately. Maybe caveat it with words to the effect that you have done your own investigation, and have filled it in as accurately as you can, but you are very open to reviewing any other cases identified.

Do share a copy of the letter here, and we will be happy to review it. It might be useful for us to have a rough idea as to what the totals look like too, as this might change the view on legal advice.

 

[rezza9i8]

*Please remove Moderators, I do not want my email to be traced back*

 

[Haywain]

Does that sound to you like you have written it, because it doesn't read that way to me? Use you own words, not those provided by whatever you have used to write that. And ask if they will allow you to settle the matter, rather than telling them that you'll pay which sounds as though you'll do it but reluctantly.

 

[spag23]

As so often on these drafts, the wordiness of this makes it reek of AI assistance.
Please use your own words.

 

[rezza9i8]

Yes, the draft is primarily my own words.