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Responding to GTR

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Snoopy99

New Member
Joined
29 Nov 2025
Messages
1
Location
Balcombe
Hi All,

I would really appreciate some advice here,

I was caught without a ticket in July from London to Gatwick. I was in a rush to get a train so i could be with my partner, this is not an excuse for my actions. I did not have a ticket and had made it seem like my phone was not working, in a panic. I ended up letting them i know i had no ticket. I tried to buy a ticket but, understandably, he said i should only board a train with a ticket. I have been with extreme anxiety since and would never even remotely think about making this mistake again.

Today I received the below letters and have written a draft. I would be immensely thankful for any thoughts on it!




IMG_2575 (1).jpegIMG_2574.jpeg



Please see my draft below:

Dear Prosecutions Team,

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to provide my account of the incident on 24 July.

I would like to sincerely apologise for my actions. I travelled without a valid ticket and then panicked when I was asked to present one. I take full responsibility for this mistake. I was rushing to catch the same train as my partner, who had a valid ticket, and in the stress of the moment I boarded without purchasing my own. This was a serious lapse in judgement on my part.

When questioned, I became extremely anxious and reacted poorly. I understand how serious this is, and I regret not handling the situation properly. I did offer to buy the correct ticket and pay any penalty at the time, as I recognised immediately that I had acted wrongly and wanted to resolve the situation.

I assure you it will not happen again. I now fully understand the importance of holding the correct ticket before boarding and the seriousness of the railway regulations.

I am very anxious about the potential consequences and would be extremely grateful if you would consider allowing me to settle this matter without court action. I am willing to pay the full fare owed and any reasonable administration costs to resolve this promptly.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my explanation. I am genuinely sorry for the inconvenience caused.

Yours sincerely,
 
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notmyrealname

Member
Joined
26 Oct 2023
Messages
502
Location
London
Hi.

I expect the pros of the forum will answer you later.

When you're ready to send the letter (please wait for comments first), I would add a line in bold under Dear Prosecutions Team with their reference number. This way they can locate your file easily.
 

WesternLancer

Veteran Member
Joined
12 Apr 2019
Messages
15,077
Hi All,

I would really appreciate some advice here,

I was caught without a ticket in July from London to Gatwick. I was in a rush to get a train so i could be with my partner, this is not an excuse for my actions. I did not have a ticket and had made it seem like my phone was not working, in a panic. I ended up letting them i know i had no ticket. I tried to buy a ticket but, understandably, he said i should only board a train with a ticket. I have been with extreme anxiety since and would never even remotely think about making this mistake again.

Today I received the below letters and have written a draft. I would be immensely thankful for any thoughts on it!




View attachment 193328View attachment 193329



Please see my draft below:

Dear Prosecutions Team,

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to provide my account of the incident on 24 July.

I would like to sincerely apologise for my actions. I travelled without a valid ticket and then panicked when I was asked to present one. I take full responsibility for this mistake. I was rushing to catch the same train as my partner, who had a valid ticket, and in the stress of the moment I boarded without purchasing my own. This was a serious lapse in judgement on my part.

When questioned, I became extremely anxious and reacted poorly. I understand how serious this is, and I regret not handling the situation properly. I did offer to buy the correct ticket and pay any penalty at the time, as I recognised immediately that I had acted wrongly and wanted to resolve the situation.

I assure you it will not happen again. I now fully understand the importance of holding the correct ticket before boarding and the seriousness of the railway regulations.

I am very anxious about the potential consequences and would be extremely grateful if you would consider allowing me to settle this matter without court action. I am willing to pay the full fare owed and any reasonable administration costs to resolve this promptly.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my explanation. I am genuinely sorry for the inconvenience caused.

Yours sincerely,
Looks like a reasonable response.

When you post it remember to send it tracked postage from a post office so you can prove itv was delivered if you need to.

Keep copies of everything.
 

ChilliSauce

On Moderation
Joined
28 Oct 2025
Messages
328
Remember if GTR didn't scan a ticket on a phone they have nothing to go on a "fishing trip" with, with the likes of Trainline to look at your ticket purchase history. So I say stick focused on this event and don't incriminate yourself....if you have done anything wrong in the past.
 

Haywain

Veteran Member
Joined
3 Feb 2013
Messages
24,593
Remember if GTR didn't scan a ticket on a phone they have nothing to go on a "fishing trip" with, with the likes of Trainline to look at your ticket purchase history. So I say stick focused on this event and don't incriminate yourself....if you have done anything wrong in the past.
The OP didn't have a ticket and claimed their phone wasn't working. How is your comment relevant?
 
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