Southeastern likely prosecution

[optimisthd]

I think that sounds good enough to go now. Dont forget to include the reference number at the top of the letter.

Maybe a daft question from me but it says to write on reverse of the initial letter. Would a handwritten version be the option although maybe a typed up/printed letter is more appropriate

 

[Fawkes Cat]

Maybe a daft question from me but it says to write on reverse of the initial letter. Would a handwritten version be the option although maybe a typed up/printed letter is more appropriate

We usually suggest typing/ word processing on separate pieces of paper: make sure that piece of paper has your name and address and the case reference on it - and write something like 'please see attached ' on the reverse of the initial letter. I don't think this has caused any problems so far.

 

[optimisthd]

Thanks for the advice all!

 

[WesternLancer]

How about
Dear Prosecutions Manager,

I'm writing to apologize for traveling without a valid ticket from [home station] to London Bridge on 31 October 2024. I realize this was a serious oversight on my part, and I’m truly sorry for any inconvenience caused to Southeastern Railway.

This experience has made me more aware of how important it is to follow fare policies to keep things fair for all passengers. I take full responsibility for my actions, and I’m committed to making sure this doesn’t happen again.

I would be very grateful for the chance to settle this matter without it going to court. I’m more than willing to cover the fare I owe, along with any costs Southeastern has incurred in dealing with this situation. I hope you will consider my request, and thank you for your understanding.

Yours faithfully,

[Your Name]

If you wrote before maybe enclose what you previously sent. Shows you’ve not been ignoring this even if they lost it. E mail and post and post it tracked delivery or signed for.

 

[some bloke]

I suggest "this is a serious matter" rather than "this was a serious oversight on my part" given it was deliberate.

 

[optimisthd]

Noted on the above will make an edit before I send. This is my first communication out to them and will sent it tracked.

 

[WesternLancer]

Noted on the above will make an edit before I send. This is my first communication out to them and will sent it tracked.

Thanks. Apols I think I may have confused this thread with another one where the passenger had already written before but it’s still going to court. Good luck with your case.

 

[optimisthd]

Hi all
I sent this and it was received and signed for on 12 November. Is there a rough time they would usually respond or is it worth sending another letter? Referring to the original letter I sent.

I think that sounds good enough to go now. Dont forget to include the reference number at the top of the letter.

 

[WesternLancer]

Hi all
I sent this and it was received and signed for on 12 November. Is there a rough time they would usually respond or is it worth sending another letter? Referring to the original letter I sent.

Not so long ago (late autumn) we saw a spate of SE Trains cases escalate to prosecution because it looked like they had basically lost the original responses from people who had replied to the standard 'threats to prosecute but tell us what happened from your side letters'

With that in mind I'd be tempted to suggest you should write or e-mail again

Probably just a simple letter or e-mail enclosing a copy of what you sent before, citing your ref number and just saying along lines of 'I wanted to check you had received my earlier correspondence as I am anxious to resolve the matter, without it escalating to court. My apologies if you are still processing my earlier correspondence' - or some such wording

Keep copies of everything and if posting send it tracked so you know it gets there, and keep proof of the tracking result in case you need it later on.

 

[optimisthd]

UPDATE
Thanks all, i followed up on email and they confirmed late last week they hadnt received/processed the letter on their desk although they acknowledge it was signed for, so I followed up with the soft copy. Earlier today they sent a soft copy confirming that they are happy to close the matter out of court for £1,105.00. Appreciate the assistance and people taking time out to help me.

 

[30907]

UPDATE
Thanks all, i followed up on email and they confirmed late last week they hadnt received/processed the letter on their desk although they acknowledge it was signed for, so I followed up with the soft copy. Earlier today they sent a soft copy confirming that they are happy to close the matter out of court for £1,105.00. Appreciate the assistance and people taking time out to help me.

Thanks for the update, which confirms the general impression that train operators are happy to settle! I hope the amount is reasonably in line with your expectations.

 

[optimisthd]

Thanks for the update, which confirms the general impression that train operators are happy to settle! I hope the amount is reasonably in line with your expectations.

Conservatively i had put aside 2k for this so reasonably happy with this. They came back very quick so agree their preference is to avoid court as well

 

[Hadders]

Thanks for updating us. This information is very useful in helping us to advise people who seek our assistance in the future.

 

[LuPi]

Thanks for the update, which confirms the general impression that train operators are happy to settle! I hope the amount is reasonably in line with your expectations.

Thank you so much for this - my son is in a similar position and I’m trying to learn what to expect on his behalf. Short faring for a month…..all on his app….

 

[Hadders]

Thank you so much for this - my son is in a similar position and I’m trying to learn what to expect on his behalf. Short faring for a month…..all on his app….

Please can you start a separate thread about your son’s case and we will be happy to assist.

We keep to one case per thread to avoid confusion because although a case might seem similar at first, experience has taught us that no two cases are ever quite the same.

 

[teelwolf]

Hi,
I am in a very similar situation to above and followed the steps - sent them an email detailing my fault and pleading for an out of court settlement. They never acknowledged the email (or seemingly saw it) and I've now just received a court summons letter through the post with a court date of 19th March.

What should I do as a next step?

 

[notmyrealname]

Hi, welcome to the forum.

You need to start a thread of your own please. The rule here is that it's one thread per issue, to avoid confusion for everyone.

 

[LuPi]

Please can you start a separate thread about your son’s case and we will be happy to assist.

We keep to one case per thread to avoid confusion because although a case might seem similar at first, experience has taught us that no two cases are ever quite the same.

Hi - how do I start a new thread?
Thanks

 

[Hadders]

Hi - how do I start a new thread?
Thanks

Go to the Disputes & Prosecutions page and press ‘Post Thread’