Southeastern Fare Evasion

[sloth.kyle]

Hi I was caught bumping the SouthEastern train to Dartford. I just received regarding the incident the letter states "On xxx a person giving the above name and address was questioned by a member of rail staff with regard to an alleged incident on Southeastern. The matter has been provisionally authorized for prosecution.

Before I proceed further, I invite you to respond by completing the bottom section of this letter, making any comments about the incident on the reverse abd said it to the above address within seven days."

During the incident I claimed that I was in the process of buying the ticket on the trainline app but the inspector said it was too late and I would be fined, he asked for my details, which I now regret lying about initially. They then said my details didnt match with the current residence and asked me to try again.

I told him my correct details which he then turned on his body cam and said I may get in trouble for fraud for lying about my identity. He asked a few further questions gave me a receipt for the incident and then said to continue my journey.

I am not sure of what the potential outcomes are but I have read through some of the forums so I have a better idea, but I am worried because i did attempt to lie at first which I think made the situation worse. I have typed up a draft response to send with the letter to the office which Ill gladly take any advice on.

"
Dear Sir/Madam,
I humbly apologize for my error in judgment resulting in the said incident. I would appreciate it if we could resolve this matter before it escalates any further by means of an administrative penalty. I am willing to pay the fare that was avoided and any administrative expenses incurred to bring about the discontinuation of this matter.
Initially, when questioned by the rail staff about my ticket, I panicked and provided false identification. However, I later admitted to my wrongdoing and deeply regret my actions. I have learned that it is imperative to take responsibility for my poor choices and be honest in situations such as this. I understand the gravity of my actions and hope to resolve this matter by paying the fare and any additional administrative costs.
As this is my first and final incident with Southeastern train line, I respectfully request that the matter be settled through an out-of-court settlement. While I acknowledge that you have every right to prosecute me, I implore the Prosecution Office to show mercy and understanding, given that this may have severe repercussions for my career and future as a student.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
xxxxx"

 

[furlong]

I wouldn't mention the identification problem specifically unless they did - just make sure your apology is general enough to include it (i.e. apologise for how you behaved in a particular situation without writing down what that behaviour was). As long as they got your correct details at the time, they'll often not pursue it any further. (They will pursue the other part, the unpaid fare.) The rest of the response sounds a bit over the top or exaggerated too. Is that how you normally speak to people, imploring them to show you mercy?

 

[sloth.kyle]

I wouldn't mention the identification problem specifically unless they did - just make sure your apology is general enough to include it (i.e. apologise for how you behaved in a particular situation without writing down what that behaviour was). As long as they got your correct details at the time, they'll often not pursue it any further. (They will pursue the other part, the unpaid fare.) The rest of the response sounds a bit over the top or exaggerated too. Is that how you normally speak to people, imploring them to show you mercy?

yh i think i did do to much, was looking for words to use and just thought of mercy. Proberly going to remove that now

 

[WesternLancer]

yh i think i did do to much, was looking for words to use and just thought of mercy. Proberly going to remove that now

Hi there - some suggested adjustments which might be helpful given comments above - possible new text in blue. Also - is there anything else you could do to reduce costs of travel eg buy a season ticket if you make the journey frequently or buy a Railcard (you say you are a student so assume you are entitled to one), if you have not got one already. It may be worth buying one even if this is only to allow you to say (and thus show) you have taken steps to reduce the costs of train travel legitimately.



Dear Sir/Madam,
I humbly apologisze for my error in judgment resulting in the said incident. I would appreciate it if we could resolve this matter before it escalates any further, and I hope you might be prepared to consider a request to settle this rather without the need for court action.by means of an administrative penalty. I am willing to pay the fare that was avoided and any administrative expenses incurred. to bring about the discontinuation of this matter.
Initially, when questioned by the rail staff about my ticket, I panicked and provided false identification. However, I later admitted to my wrongdoing and I deeply regret my actions. I have learned that it is always important and necessary to have a valid ticket for train journeys I make. imperative to take responsibility for my poor choices and be honest in situations such as this. I understand the gravity of my actions and hope to resolve this matter by paying the fare and any additional administrative costs.
As this is my first and final incident with Southeastern train line, I respectfully request that the matter be settled through an out-of-court settlement. While I acknowledge that you have every right to prosecute me, I would respectfully ask if the implore the Prosecution Office can consider this request sympathetically to show mercy and understanding, given that this may have severe repercussions for my career and future as a student which I would like to avoid if at all possible.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,

 

[island]

Just to observe you cannot buy e-tickets to Dartford as it's not a station enabled for e-ticket fulfilment. Even if you had finished buying the ticket by the time you were seen by the inspector, you'd still not have had a ticket as it would have needed to be collected from the ticket machine at a station.

 

[nyahfran]

Any updates on this case?

 

[Huntergreed]

Any updates on this case?

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