Stopped by police exiting the station

[bella3]

Hello, I found a staff Oyster card on the floor, it didn’t have a picture or anything so I gave it to my boyfriend to try yesterday morning. He used it once, on his way back home there was officers at the train station. They told him he had to be detained, although later they let him go as the police car was full. They said to expect a letter in the post to attend court. He has paid for every journey, it was literally one journey for him. It was my fault to give it to him, what can I do about this? Any advice would be appreciated

 

[styles]

Hello, I found a staff Oyster card on the floor, it didn’t have a picture or anything so I gave it to my boyfriend to try yesterday morning. He used it once, on his way back home there was officers at the train station. They told him he had to be detained, although later they let him go as the police car was full. They said to expect a letter in the post to attend court. He has paid for every journey, it was literally one journey for him. It was my fault to give it to him, what can I do about this? Any advice would be appreciated

From your point of view, you won't get into trouble. TfL won't bother trying to mount a case of conspiracy to commit fraud on the basis that you found a travel card and gave it to somebody.

TfL tend not to do out of court settlements, and go for prosecutions.

It isn't impossible to get an out of court settlement, but you'll need to respond promptly and impress your sense of remorse. On the positive side of things, if it was only used fraudulently the one time, this will be evident from the tapping in/out history associated with the card. If it is literally a one-time offence, you might get lucky. It's not unheard of to get away with a final warning and no prosecution.

Wait for the letter (or hope it doesn't arrive), then come back.

 

[Haywain]

It isn't impossible to get an out of court settlement,

It is with TfL - they just don't do settlements - they either prosecute or issue a 'final warning' and the latter appear to rely on the involvement (and expense) of a solicitor.

 

[Ducatist4]

Theft by finding?

 

[Haywain]

Theft by finding?

Nope, simply a bye law prosecution, which has no requirement to prove intent.

 

[island]

From your point of view, you won't get into trouble. TfL won't bother trying to mount a case of conspiracy to commit fraud on the basis that you found a travel card and gave it to somebody.

Well, the OP did commit an offence under TfL byelaws 20/21 (unauthorised transfer of tickets) but TfL are unlikely to know who they are or be able to prove anything.

They will just go after the OP under byelaw 17.

 

[Puffing Devil]

Theft by finding?

That is a possibility for the OP, but I don't think the police will pursue it if they already have the OPs partner in the bag.

 

[geoffk]

How would the police be able to identify the person using the card as he left the station?

 

[Haywain]

How would the police be able to identify the person using the card as he left the station?

By taking their details while they were "detained".