SJPN advice please

[VRT14]

Hiya!!

I’m wondering if anyone can help me as I’ve seen some amazingly helpful threads.

Back in January I was travelling to London with my young family (2 &5yo) in which we were on time for, the ticket machine wasn’t working properly and I had to run back over the bridge as our youngest dropped his favourite teddy (the irreplaceable kind where sleep is lost) so generally all round a chaotic start to our trip. I had to run back to get on the train. To which in fairness I shouldn’t have done but got onto the train without a ticket and bought one online once on.
I appreciate I should’ve waited for the next train in order to follow the train rules, but as any parents know standing on a platform with young kids is generally very stressful and anxiety inducing for their safety!
We were barely on the train before a ticket inspector appeared and it came up on his system when scanning our ticket that it was purchased once on the train. He was so incredibly rude especially with a 2 year old on my lap, it was intimidating and horrid.
He issued an orange receipt thing and said I’d receive a letter.
I received the letter the end of April saying that it was going to court and to give my evidence. I responded (it was slightly on the cusp so worried it wasn’t considered) and then last week I received a SJPN.
This is worrying me horribly, I don’t want to have anything on my record.
I have sent a physical letter and email to GTR which reads the below:
Dear sir/madam,

I am writing to you today regarding the above case number. I responded to the initial letter in April to which I understand my response was not considered for a different outcome which has resulted in a SJPN.

To further express my sincere and deepest regret for the incident that occurred 18th January 2026 whilst travelling from Arlesey to Finsbury Park with my young family. I realise that with being unable to obtain a ticket at the platform (due to machine) and boarding the train whilst purchasing a ticket online I made a mistake that appeared to the inspector that I was attempting fare evasion which was not the case, hence the online purchase of a ticket. Travelling with two young children, 2 and 5, made me extremely anxious (I suffer with anxiety and depression) and safety conscious on the platform as any parent with young children can relate to, also having to run back over to the other side of the platform for a dropped favourite teddy certainly helped add to the morning chaos. It felt as though everything was working against us, toys, timing, ticket machine.

I understand in the few moments we boarded the train and obtained the online ticket was a mis-judgement of responsibility regarding a ticket and I sincerely apologise for my actions. I am a person that always believes it’s fair to pay correct tickets in order for everyone to do the same thing.

I deeply regret my actions and apologise that I didn’t do the alternative option of waiting for the next train whilst purchasing an online ticket. With having young children regarding their safety on the platform I made a quick mis-judgment of the next step to do and I apologise that it was the wrong action to make. I understand that I didn’t follow the ticket guidelines. I however would like to confirm that I did purchase a ticket for the train before I was even aware there was an inspector on the train.

From this incident I have learned a valuable lesson about the importance of personal responsibility and following the rules. I understand how my actions have been perceived and I assure you it will never happen again.

To demonstrate my sincerity and desire to rectify the situation out of court, I am eager to settle this matter without the need for further action which may affect my future careers. I am prepared to pay the full outstanding fine along with any administrative costs your company has incurred dealing with this matter.

I appreciate your time and consideration in reviewing my apology and offer of payment. I hope that you will accept my sincere remorse and allow me to resolve this issue without further consequence.

I understand I have 21 days for the 22nd May 2026, unfortunately I have been away for the half term and had a delay in receiving the letter, therefore I would really appreciate urgent consideration and hopefully a response.

Thank you for your understanding and time.

Sincerely,



The end of the 21 days is this Friday, and I don’t know what to do, do I plead not guilty in the hope of extending the time to hopefully settle out of court?
Has anyone got any advice please in what I could do further to stop this going to court and potentially having something on my record.

Sorry for the lengthy message.

Thank you!!

 

[WesternLancer]

Hiya!!

I’m wondering if anyone can help me as I’ve seen some amazingly helpful threads.

Back in January I was travelling to London with my young family (2 &5yo) in which we were on time for, the ticket machine wasn’t working properly and I had to run back over the bridge as our youngest dropped his favourite teddy (the irreplaceable kind where sleep is lost) so generally all round a chaotic start to our trip. I had to run back to get on the train. To which in fairness I shouldn’t have done but got onto the train without a ticket and bought one online once on.
I appreciate I should’ve waited for the next train in order to follow the train rules, but as any parents know standing on a platform with young kids is generally very stressful and anxiety inducing for their safety!
We were barely on the train before a ticket inspector appeared and it came up on his system when scanning our ticket that it was purchased once on the train. He was so incredibly rude especially with a 2 year old on my lap, it was intimidating and horrid.
He issued an orange receipt thing and said I’d receive a letter.
I received the letter the end of April saying that it was going to court and to give my evidence. I responded (it was slightly on the cusp so worried it wasn’t considered) and then last week I received a SJPN.
This is worrying me horribly, I don’t want to have anything on my record.
I have sent a physical letter and email to GTR which reads the below:
Dear sir/madam,

I am writing to you today regarding the above case number. I responded to the initial letter in April to which I understand my response was not considered for a different outcome which has resulted in a SJPN.

To further express my sincere and deepest regret for the incident that occurred 18th January 2026 whilst travelling from Arlesey to Finsbury Park with my young family. I realise that with being unable to obtain a ticket at the platform (due to machine) and boarding the train whilst purchasing a ticket online I made a mistake that appeared to the inspector that I was attempting fare evasion which was not the case, hence the online purchase of a ticket. Travelling with two young children, 2 and 5, made me extremely anxious (I suffer with anxiety and depression) and safety conscious on the platform as any parent with young children can relate to, also having to run back over to the other side of the platform for a dropped favourite teddy certainly helped add to the morning chaos. It felt as though everything was working against us, toys, timing, ticket machine.

I understand in the few moments we boarded the train and obtained the online ticket was a mis-judgement of responsibility regarding a ticket and I sincerely apologise for my actions. I am a person that always believes it’s fair to pay correct tickets in order for everyone to do the same thing.

I deeply regret my actions and apologise that I didn’t do the alternative option of waiting for the next train whilst purchasing an online ticket. With having young children regarding their safety on the platform I made a quick mis-judgment of the next step to do and I apologise that it was the wrong action to make. I understand that I didn’t follow the ticket guidelines. I however would like to confirm that I did purchase a ticket for the train before I was even aware there was an inspector on the train.

From this incident I have learned a valuable lesson about the importance of personal responsibility and following the rules. I understand how my actions have been perceived and I assure you it will never happen again.

To demonstrate my sincerity and desire to rectify the situation out of court, I am eager to settle this matter without the need for further action which may affect my future careers. I am prepared to pay the full outstanding fine along with any administrative costs your company has incurred dealing with this matter.

I appreciate your time and consideration in reviewing my apology and offer of payment. I hope that you will accept my sincere remorse and allow me to resolve this issue without further consequence.

I understand I have 21 days for the 22nd May 2026, unfortunately I have been away for the half term and had a delay in receiving the letter, therefore I would really appreciate urgent consideration and hopefully a response.

Thank you for your understanding and time.

Sincerely,



The end of the 21 days is this Friday, and I don’t know what to do, do I plead not guilty in the hope of extending the time to hopefully settle out of court?
Has anyone got any advice please in what I could do further to stop this going to court and potentially having something on my record.

Sorry for the lengthy message.

Thank you!!

Welcome - this is urgent now so apols if any of what follows sounds a bit brusque

some questions for you and actions for you to take ASAP

1) - what is the deadline the SJPN papers have to be back with the court? - this is the amount of time you have to try and get an out of court settlement, so we need to know this - you should hold off returning these papers (with your plea) until the last possible date - ie 2 days before the deadline using guaranteed next day delivery post

2) - when did the original incident happen? When you were stopped

3) Can you upload copies of all the paperwork but with your personal details and any ref numbers obscured (you'll need to check every page for any personal info)

4) can you upload a copy of the reply you sent to them at the end of April - assuming you have it - again remove your personal details

5) read this case and cases linked from it - my apols as it's quicker for you to read that than for me to set it all out here in terms of what to do now - but essentially what you need to do is the same as this and the one linked in post #13

Do not get distracted by some, of the side issues being raised there - just focus on the urgency of the matter and what to do about that

Girlfriend charged with offence related to failure to buy railcard

Partner has been charged with an offence for failure to buy railcard (UK) Hi there, my partner travelled on the 16th December 2025 to Cambridge with her mother. She had forgotten to buy a railcard to match her ticket but intended to that morning and was subsequently told GTR would be in touch...

www.railforums.co.uk

Then when you have read that come back here about your immediate next steps to do over the next 24 hours

Generally

You've not got an SJPN because of the severity or otherwise of what you did, and not because of the reply you sent I suspect - just because the timeline for them to take action against you has run out so thewy don't want to miss that. So your reply now don't need to get into all the detail about what happened - it just needs to be a v short and focussed request to settle out of court and for the court action to be withdrawn

Draft in post #26 of the above linked thread or ideally even shorter

Time is of the essence here - make it your priority to focus on trying to obtain the out of court settlement before the court papers deadline

Is the letter you have posted in your opening post one you have now sent?
If so
a) did you send it next day delivery guaranteed?
b) did you send it tracked postage

There isn't anything really wrong with the letter - but given the urgency now I would have said
i) it's a bit longer then it needs to be
ii) it does not really stress the urgency right up front so that the person who opens it puts it in an urgent pile
iii) did you include the ref numbers in it for them to quickly find your case (same ref number as on the orange receipt thingy you were originally given I expect)

But if it is sent now that is water under the bridge.

 

[SECR 65]

Which train operating company are you dealing with? It would also be helpful to know what stations your journey was to/from.

In the case of certain operators, for example GTR (I imagine this case isn't GTR - afraid I don't recognise your location) it is still usually possible to secure an out of court settlement even once an SJPN has been issued.

I don't feel qualified to comment on what you should do, but asking again for an out of court settlement seems the right thing to do. Pleading not guilty is certainly a potential option to give more time to settle, as you've identified. My general feeling is that your letter might be a bit too long, but I understand that this is your second attempt at trying to argue your case.

Other members will be able to assist further and I'm sure will be around shortly. (And as I type this, advice has appeared!)

 

[VRT14]

Welcome - this is urgent now so apols if any of what follows sounds a bit brusque

some questions for you and actions for you to take ASAP

1) - what is the deadline the SJPN papers have to be back with the court? - this is the amount of time you have to try and get an out of court settlement, so we need to know this - you should hold off returning these papers (with your plea) until the last possible date - ie 2 days before the deadline using guaranteed next day delivery post

2) - when did the original incident happen? When you were stopped

3) Can you upload copies of all the paperwork but with your personal details and any ref numbers obscured (you'll need to check every page for any personal info)

4) can you upload a copy of the reply you sent to them at the end of April - assuming you have it - again remove your personal details

5) read this case and cases linked from it - my apols as it's quicker for you to read that than for me to set it all out here in terms of what to do now - but essentially what you need to do is the same as this and the one linked in post #13

Do not get distracted by some, of the side issues being raised there - just focus on the urgency of the matter and what to do about that

Girlfriend charged with offence related to failure to buy railcard

Partner has been charged with an offence for failure to buy railcard (UK) Hi there, my partner travelled on the 16th December 2025 to Cambridge with her mother. She had forgotten to buy a railcard to match her ticket but intended to that morning and was subsequently told GTR would be in touch...

www.railforums.co.uk

Then when you have read that come back here about your immediate next steps to do over the next 24 hours

Generally

You've not got an SJPN because of the severity or otherwise of what you did, and not because of the reply you sent I suspect - just because the timeline for them to take action against you has run out so thewy don't want to miss that. So your reply now don't need to get into all the detail about what happened - it just needs to be a v short and focussed request to settle out of court and for the court action to be withdrawn

Draft in post #26 of the above linked thread or ideally even shorter

Time is of the essence here - make it your priority to focus on trying to obtain the out of court settlement before the court papers deadline

Is the letter you have posted in your opening post one you have now sent?
If so
a) did you send it next day delivery guaranteed?
b) did you send it tracked postage

There isn't anything really wrong with the letter - but given the urgency now I would have said
i) it's a bit longer then it needs to be
ii) it does not really stress the urgency right up front so that the person who opens it puts it in an urgent pile
iii) did you include the ref numbers in it for them to quickly find your case (same ref number as on the orange receipt thingy you were originally given I expect)

But if it is sent now that is water under the bridge.

Hiya!

Thanks for getting back to me so quickly.

1) 12th June 2026

2) 18th January 2026

3)I’ve attached pictures

4) unfortunately not as it was written on the form they provided

A) yes next day signed for delivery which was received today and I emailed them the same letter yesterday

Is there any way of calling them do you know? I can’t find anything online

 

[WesternLancer]

Which train operating company are you dealing with? It would also be helpful to know what stations your journey was to/from.

In the case of certain operators, for example GTR (I imagine this case isn't GTR - afraid I don't recognise your location) it is still usually possible to secure an out of court settlement even once an SJPN has been issued.

I don't feel qualified to comment on what you should do, but asking again for an out of court settlement seems the right thing to do. Pleading not guilty is certainly a potential option to give more time to settle, as you've identified. My general feeling is that your letter might be a bit too long, but I understand that this is your second attempt at trying to argue your case.

Other members will be able to assist further and I'm sure will be around shortly. (And as I type this, advice has appeared!)

Looks like it’s GTR

 

[VRT14]

Looks like it’s GTR

It is yes

 

[WesternLancer]

OK - so info below for you

Hiya!

Thanks for getting back to me so quickly.

1) 12th June 2026

So at the latest you need to be sending completed court paperwork next day delivery is on Thursday 11 June to the court

You need to read the other linked threads carefully to understand and see if you are happy to plead 'Not Guilty' on the SJPN** and request an in person court hearing, when you send it back - this will then be some weeks later thus creating more time to seek a settlement with GTR and get the court action withdrawn albeit at this late stage

Your only other option, given the timescale to try and get a settlement before sending court papers back, is to contact a solicitor specialising in this area of work tomorrow and put the matter in their hands - we can give you a short list of such firms that people here have used successfully.
But this will cost significant sum: Legal fees in the region of £600 + (and then the settlement out of court on top) - so you may want to keep trying yourself - see the other thread I linked
Ultimately that sum is a trade off against how much you want to avoid receiving a court fine and a criminal record if you can't resolve it out of court, but a solicitor could do.

2) 18th January 2026

OK - as I suspected - they have 6 months to bring a criminal persecution from that date and their time was running out to do that - maybe they lost or never properly read your earlier reply in April but they knew the 6 months was nearly up so they laid appears before the court to prevent them having the ability to prosecute you - thats the main leverage they have over you

3)I’ve attached pictures

Thanks! I've not had time to read it yet to see if you are actually guilty of the offence you are being accused of.... will look later, and others may be able to give a view but from your description of events it sounds like you were even if this wasn't intentional

4) unfortunately not as it was written on the form they provided

Unfortunate indeed - but what's done is done - from now on keep a copy of every single thing related to this. It's vital you have copies of what you said, since as you have found out you are in a legal situation

A) yes next day signed for delivery which was received today and I emailed them the same letter yesterday

Both good actions

Is there any way of calling them do you know? I can’t find anything online

Yes, but it's very rare to get through to anyone with decision making ability to discuss it - they basically don't deal with this stuff over the phone (not efficient for them) - see the other thread for the response that person got when ringing - but no reason not to try I guess - probably something you could do weds afternoon (they need time to actually process the latter you have just sent after all - and I suspect they won't process it in time.

GTR Prosecutions department, the number is 0204 566 9166.

Before you ring them get your thoughts in order

- don't get into any of the 'dog ate my homework' stuff about busy day with the kids in tow (sorry - I do actually sympathise) - just focus on
trying to stress the urgency because you need to send back the court papers
- you want to settle the matter without court action and get the court action withdrawn
- you are ready to pay them a settlement
- all there is to say about the issue itself is that you never intended not to pay the correct fare (ie there was no intent to evade the fare)


**Ref Pleading Not Guilty see this advice posted by another forum member who is very experienced:

From
https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/advice-for-sjpn-byelaw-18-1.300778/#post-7757216

Pleading not guilty is the only way to pull the emergency brake. You aren't losing out on much by doing this; even if you can't reach a settlement, magistrates are usually quite reasonable about fine discounts if you show you were trying to resolve things properly.

1. You don't need to overthink the "reason for pleading not guilty" box. Don't worry about a technical legal defence. Just write: "I am currently in active negotiations with the Prosecution (GTR) regarding an out-of-court settlement. I have provided them with mitigating evidence and require more time for their legal team to conclude their review of the case."

2. Once you send that plea, the case gets pulled from the automated stream and sent to a physical court to be listed. You’re looking at a window of about four to eight weeks before a hearing date is even set. This is your prime time to get GTR to agree to a settlement. If they do, they’ll just withdraw the prosecution, and the court date disappears.

3. Leave the mitigating circumstances box completely blank. Mitigation only matters if you've already been convicted or have pleaded guilty.

4. You can hold onto the MC100 form for now. Since you're pleading not guilty, the court doesn't need your financial details yet; they’d only need those if you were eventually convicted at a hearing.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 9 Jun 2026 ==

————-
So essentially by pleading not guilty on the SJPN you buy several weeks worth of time to seek the out if court settlement with GTR
That is time you can use to communicate effectively with them using support from here

In those linked threads you will find an example linked of a case where that worked. And one where it did not work (the person there eventually opted to use a solicitor who achieved the settlement)

But we know GTR are very often if not almost always amenable to settling out of court. So the prospects are strong.
The main issue is time and your need for more of it!

But it has to be something you are comfortable doing as it’s you who is submitting your court plea not anyone else on this forum.

Even if that didn’t work there is still the chance of going early to court on the day finding the GTR prosecutor and asking them to settle it before the hearing. We see this being achieved. But we are some way off that yet.
But this can only be carried out by not doing the case via SJPN on paper. Hence the court hearing option.

Once you plead guilty on the SJPN aiui that’s the end if the matter. The court accepts the guilty plea, you get sent the court fine and costs etc and you will have a criminal record, albeit for a relatively minor offence, but still one you would be required to declare when asked for a period of time (might be a year or two I’m not sure.)

 

[furlong]

Sounds like another ridiculous SJPN.
They've alleged you boarded the train at Finsbury Park and committed an offence there - but in contradiction their statement of facts has you boarding elsewhere.
Then they say you'd paid for the journey already but they don't deem that ticket 'valid' even though they were very happy to take your money for it without telling you this and still want the court to order you to pay all over again!

But what exactly do you mean by: "the ticket machine wasn’t working properly"? Did you seek assistance from the ticket office - was it open?

 

[WesternLancer]

Sounds like another ridiculous SJPN.
They've alleged you boarded the train at Finsbury Park and committed an offence there - but in contradiction their statement of facts has you boarding elsewhere.
Then they say you'd paid for the journey already but they don't deem that ticket 'valid' even though they were very happy to take your money for it without telling you this and still want the court to order you to pay all over again!

But what exactly do you mean by: "the ticket machine wasn’t working properly"? Did you seek assistance from the ticket office - was it open?

Sounds to me that would give the lay person a good reason for thinking they should plead not guilty on the SJPN.
Which might be a good idea anyway given the timescale as explained above.

 

[gray1404]

I would also advise just cutting out the talk about traveling with the family and having young children. It detracts from the strength of your actual argument and isn't actually any valid mitigation.

 

[WesternLancer]

It is yes

Hi - have you made any progress with GTR? (either by phone or in response to your letter?)

I'm mindful that you need to get your court papers in the post office to send to the court Guaranteed next day delivery by mid afternoon today IIRC

Are you clear about the reasons up thread suggesting you submit an 'Not Guilty' plea on your court papers at this stage?

Let us know what you decide to do - then we may be able to suggest your best next steps with this.

But for now make sure you do all you can to meet the court's deadline for those papers.

 

[VRT14]

Hiya!
Unfortunately I haven’t heard any form of response back - email, letter or response to voicemail and numerous calls.

I completed the form as advised for not guilty in the hope we will be able to make an out of court settlement prior to court date.

Thanks for all your help, it’s been incredibly supportive.

 

[WesternLancer]

Hiya!
Unfortunately I haven’t heard any form of response back - email, letter or response to voicemail and numerous calls.

I completed the form as advised for not guilty in the hope we will be able to make an out of court settlement prior to court date.

Thanks for all your help, it’s been incredibly supportive.

Ok - so that is with the court or will be - so according to info given by other experts on the other threads you will be advised of a court date to hear this probably in a couple of weeks (then the date of the actual court hearing will be some weeks after that) - that longer period is your new time window to seek the settlement and get the court action withdrawn.

You can probably now spend a bit if time to prepare a new, perhaps more focussed and shorter letter to GTR to send eg early next week pressing them again for an out of court settlement

If you draft that up but post your draft here before sending it then people can help you get this correct before sending it (the window you now have is of course longer than you had up until now when you were sent the SJPN - so time to get it as good as it can be by say Monday or Tuesday.)
You can , for example, make it more succinct by simply referring back to what you have already said and pressing them again for the settlement

Others on the forum may also have some good advice on this.

In the above I am of course assuming you are wanting to keep seeking to resolve this yourself without incurring the cost of a solicitor to help with it? - Just to check

 

[VRT14]

Hello all, unfortunately I still haven’t heard further with no response to my letters, emails or phone calls.
I have drafted the below if anyone wouldn’t mind a quick check over it would be very much appreciated!


Dear sir/madam,
I am writing to you today regarding the above case number. The initial letter was received in April to which my response resulted in a SJPN. From receiving further correspondence with progression to court I proceeded to communicate further explaining the situation and seeking an out of court settlement.

I wish to further express my sincere and deepest regret for the incident that occurred 18th January 2026 whilst travelling from Arlesey to Finsbury Park with my young family.
I understand in the few moments we boarded the train and obtained the online ticket was a mis-judgement of responsibility regarding a ticket and I sincerely apologise for my actions. I am a person that always believes it’s fair to pay correct tickets in order for everyone to do the same thing.
I deeply regret my actions and apologise that I didn’t do the alternative option of waiting for the next train whilst purchasing an online ticket. With having young children regarding their safety on the platform I made a quick mis-judgment of the next step to do and I apologise that it was the wrong action to make. I understand that I didn’t follow the ticket guidelines. I however would like to confirm that I did purchase a ticket for the train before I was even aware there was an inspector on the train.
From this incident I have learned a valuable lesson about the importance of personal responsibility and following the rules. I understand how my actions have been perceived and I assure you it will never happen again.
To demonstrate my sincerity and desire to rectify the situation out of court, I am eager to settle this matter without the need for further action which may affect my future careers. I am prepared to pay the full outstanding fine along with any administrative costs your company has incurred dealing with this matter.
I appreciate your time and consideration in reviewing my apology and offer of payment. I hope that you will accept my sincere remorse and allow me to resolve this issue without further consequence.
I understand a court date is yet to be set and I would be gratefully appreciative if an out of court settlement could be made. I would really appreciate urgent consideration and hopefully a response.
Thank you for your understanding and time.
Sincerely,

 

[WesternLancer]

Hello all, unfortunately I still haven’t heard further with no response to my letters, emails or phone calls.
I have drafted the below if anyone wouldn’t mind a quick check over it would be very much appreciated!


Dear sir/madam,
I am writing to you today regarding the above case number. The initial letter was received in April to which my response resulted in a SJPN. From receiving further correspondence with progression to court I proceeded to communicate further explaining the situation and seeking an out of court settlement.

I wish to further express my sincere and deepest regret for the incident that occurred 18th January 2026 whilst travelling from Arlesey to Finsbury Park with my young family.
I understand in the few moments we boarded the train and obtained the online ticket was a mis-judgement of responsibility regarding a ticket and I sincerely apologise for my actions. I am a person that always believes it’s fair to pay correct tickets in order for everyone to do the same thing.
I deeply regret my actions and apologise that I didn’t do the alternative option of waiting for the next train whilst purchasing an online ticket. With having young children regarding their safety on the platform I made a quick mis-judgment of the next step to do and I apologise that it was the wrong action to make. I understand that I didn’t follow the ticket guidelines. I however would like to confirm that I did purchase a ticket for the train before I was even aware there was an inspector on the train.
From this incident I have learned a valuable lesson about the importance of personal responsibility and following the rules. I understand how my actions have been perceived and I assure you it will never happen again.
To demonstrate my sincerity and desire to rectify the situation out of court, I am eager to settle this matter without the need for further action which may affect my future careers. I am prepared to pay the full outstanding fine along with any administrative costs your company has incurred dealing with this matter.
I appreciate your time and consideration in reviewing my apology and offer of payment. I hope that you will accept my sincere remorse and allow me to resolve this issue without further consequence.
I understand a court date is yet to be set and I would be gratefully appreciative if an out of court settlement could be made. I would really appreciate urgent consideration and hopefully a response.
Thank you for your understanding and time.
Sincerely,

Basically it’s just too long imho if you’re in an urgent deadline timescale to court now

I’ll try and suggest some edits for you later today.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 30 Jun 2026 ==

Remind me. Do you have a copy of what you sent them before?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 30 Jun 2026 ==

Check the below suggestion is correct / accurate and most importantly true (because if it got to court you would be wanting to make the same points under oath and anything that was a lie would be treated very seriously by the court - probably more seriously than the actual ticket issue! )

As well as posting the below using garneted next day delivery - try also sending it by e-mail and title the e-mail eg - "Urgent request to settle out of court ahead of imminent court deadline"

some minor questions:

a) It sounds like you have not yet actually got a court hearing date from what your draft says? Is that correct or not?
b) what was the deadline you mentioned? was it the date to return the SJPN papers to the court by?
c) have you returned the court papers with a plea? (and was that plea not guilty?

Anyway - draft below - please check and remove the bits that I hope are clearly instructions for you on info to enter et (eg in italics)

Post it guaranteed next day delivery to:

Prosecutions Department, Govia Thameslink Railway, Eastside Offices, Kings Cross Railway Station, London N1C 4AX.

e-mail it to:

gtr.prosecutions@gtrailway.com

--------------------------------------------

Date:


Dear Sir/Madam,

Your Ref: [insert their case ref and any court documents ref numbers on separate lines]
Court Document Ref:

I am writing urgently in the hope that you can consider this request to settle this matter out of court, before the matter is scheduled for court.

I did respond to earlier correspondence in April giving my version of events (a copy of which is attached) - [ie the text of your response in post #1 basically- this shows you have not been ignoring them and helps keep this letter short and to the point], but I have subsequently received SJPN paperwork from the court.

Please be assured there was never any intention not to pay the correct fare.

As explained in the attached, I was simply unaware that I was not permitted to buy my tickets after boarding, and was keen to ensure that my young children and I got safely on to the train, before buying my tickets.

I now fully understand that this is not permitted, and I apologise for my error and the trouble this has caused. I am a person that always believes it’s fair to pay for the correct tickets in order for everyone to do the same thing, and can assure you this will not happen again.

I would be most grateful if you could allow me to settle this matter out of court, even at this late stage, such that the court action can be withdrawn.

I would be happy to pay any fare owed along with any administrative costs your company has incurred dealing with this matter.

Should you need any further information from me I can be contacted as below:

By Post: xxxxx

By e-mail: xxxx

By phone: xxxxx

Thank you for your understanding and time.

Yours sincerely,

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I am writing to you today regarding the above case number. The initial letter was received in April to which my response resulted in a SJPN. From receiving further correspondence with progression to court I proceeded to communicate further explaining the situation and seeking an out of court settlement.

I wish to further express my sincere and deepest regret for the incident that occurred 18th January 2026 whilst travelling from Arlesey to Finsbury Park with my young family.
I understand in the few moments we boarded the train and obtained the online ticket was a mis-judgement of responsibility regarding a ticket and I sincerely apologise for my actions. I am a person that always believes it’s fair to pay correct tickets in order for everyone to do the same thing.
I deeply regret my actions and apologise that I didn’t do the alternative option of waiting for the next train whilst purchasing an online ticket. With having young children regarding their safety on the platform I made a quick mis-judgment of the next step to do and I apologise that it was the wrong action to make. I understand that I didn’t follow the ticket guidelines. I however would like to confirm that I did purchase a ticket for the train before I was even aware there was an inspector on the train.
From this incident I have learned a valuable lesson about the importance of personal responsibility and following the rules. I understand how my actions have been perceived and I assure you it will never happen again.
To demonstrate my sincerity and desire to rectify the situation out of court, I am eager to settle this matter without the need for further action which may affect my future careers. I am prepared to pay the full outstanding fine along with any administrative costs your company has incurred dealing with this matter.
I appreciate your time and consideration in reviewing my apology and offer of payment. I hope that you will accept my sincere remorse and allow me to resolve this issue without further consequence.
I understand a court date is yet to be set and I would be gratefully appreciative if an out of court settlement could be made. I would really appreciate urgent consideration and hopefully a response.
Thank you for your understanding and time.
Sincerely,