Student nurse in trouble - Southeastern

[furlong]

The options they have are:

• Railway Byelaw 18 - This does not require any intent, can be prosecuted by SJP, and will not normally appear on DBS checks

Presumably this was the direct train that stops at North Fleet so that option wouldn't exist. (Boarded train with valid ticket.)

The reference to RORA, which would normally be used, is:

5(3) If any person—
(a) Travels or attempts to travel on a railway without having previously paid his fare, and with intent to avoid payment thereof; or
(b) Having paid his fare for a certain distance, knowingly and wilfully proceeds by train beyond that distance without previously paying the additional fare for the additional distance, and with intent to avoid payment thereof; or
...
he shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine...

 

[dazzler17]

I suggest you change your view towards this a bit. The government didn’t force you to evade the fare, you did that. The train company isn’t putting your future in jeopardy, you are. Part of what they want to see is people taking responsibility for what they have done not trying to justify their actions. They want it to be an event that changes people’s behaviour. Honestly as you have already been caught once and carried on doing it they may not offer a settlement. They may be of the opinion that you only paid the PF because you were caught again which may hurt your chances.

Southeastern may ask you for your full journey too not just to abbeywood. They will want to know your last destination, not just the bit you evaded.

 

[zaimade]

My question now is it possible for it to be taken to court and not be given a criminal record ?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 8 Mar 2025 ==

I suggest you change your view towards this a bit. The government didn’t force you to evade the fare, you did that. The train company isn’t putting your future in jeopardy, you are. Part of what they want to see is people taking responsibility for what they have done not trying to justify their actions. They want it to be an event that changes people’s behaviour. Honestly as you have already been caught once and carried on doing it they may not offer a settlement. They may be of the opinion that you only paid the PF because you were caught again which may hurt your chances.

Southeastern may ask you for your full journey too not just to abbeywood. They will want to know your last destination, not just the bit you evaded.

Thanks for the input but honestly if you’re not a student nurse you really wouldn’t understand. I worked corporate before this and never evaded a fair because I could afford it. Thanks for the input but hundreds of us from my uni are in this currently in this situation

 

[zaimade]

I suggest you change your view towards this a bit. The government didn’t force you to evade the fare, you did that. The train company isn’t putting your future in jeopardy, you are. Part of what they want to see is people taking responsibility for what they have done not trying to justify their actions. They want it to be an event that changes people’s behaviour. Honestly as you have already been caught once and carried on doing it they may not offer a settlement. They may be of the opinion that you only paid the PF because you were caught again which may hurt your chances.

Southeastern may ask you for your full journey too not just to abbeywood. They will want to know your last destination, not just the bit you evaded.

If you read my letter to them you’d see that I have taken responsibility.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 8 Mar 2025 ==

Hiii

Hope everybody is well. I’m a student nurse training in child nursing and yesterday I received a witness statement receipt from Southeastern rail for using an incorrect ticket.

I don’t have a lot of money due to being a student nurse and I don’t have student finance or anything like that so anytime I need to go to placement or school I would usually by an incorrect ticket and then use the Elizabeth line once I get to abbeywood.

The officer took my details and recorded the conversation and also asked me to be honest he emphasised that ill soon be a nurse and it would be easier for it to go in my favour if I was honest. He had asked if they called and went through all the fairs I had skipped would I be able to answer. I did emphasise the fact that I am not a thief and it’s just the current situation of things that I can barely afford to stay in school at the moment.

This morning I have bought a rail card and have started using it even though it is still ridiculously expensive I was hoping maybe this would show as evidence of me wanting to do the right thing

I am just very worried that this will go to court as a nurse I can’t have a criminal record and that is my biggest fear at the moment. I called the drp line and they said I would receive a letter asking to explain my side and then I’d receive a letter of them saying whether they would take it to court or not. I couldn’t afford £50 a week on rail fairs so I definitely can’t afford a lawyer. Is there any advice on this ? It would be much appreciated

I’d also like to add that I have an outstanding fine for the same issue but I literally couldn’t afford to pay it.


Kind regards

I also wanted to ask is it necessary to get a lawyer for this ? And does that make much of a difference

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 8 Mar 2025 ==

It shouldn’t go to court if you pay all the outstanding fares from all the evading. Southeastern usually settle. If it does go to court, yes, it will result in a criminal record. How this affects your registration I can’t say.

Nursing is a very responsible profession. You can kill people by making mistakes or being dishonest. You can’t be cutting corners because you think you won’t get caught or because you’re in a tight spot. So please learn the lesson from this; let us know when Southeastern write to you.

How can I pay all the outstanding fairs ? Will they tell me the amount I’m owed ? This is the first time hearing they usually settle i was told they usually go to court

 

[AndySV1K]

If you read my letter to them you’d see that I have taken responsibility.

The first part of your letter states that it was a mistake on your part, but it clearly wasn't. You intentionally tried to get away with the cheaper travel.

I think what some are suggesting is that rather than blaming expensive tickets or not being allowed to work more, you should be honestly and openly discussing with Southeastern that you've done wrong, got caught and are willing to take ownership of it to make things right. I do have sympathy for your position, it's not a nice one to be in and from your point of view, you're simply trying to get an education to get yourself a very worthy career, but it does seem on some of your replies here that you are trying to justify your actions rather than simply getting help to get the best outcome you can. There's a huge amount of knowledge on this forum so I hope you can get the help you need and come out the other side of all this and get back to focussing on your future career.

 

[zaimade]

The first part of your letter states that it was a mistake on your part, but it clearly wasn't. You intentionally tried to get away with the cheaper travel.

I think what some are suggesting is that rather than blaming expensive tickets or not being allowed to work more, you should be honestly and openly discussing with Southeastern that you've done wrong, got caught and are willing to take ownership of it to make things right. I do have sympathy for your position, it's not a nice one to be in and from your point of view, you're simply trying to get an education to get yourself a very worthy career, but it does seem on some of your replies here that you are trying to justify your actions rather than simply getting help to get the best outcome you can. There's a huge amount of knowledge on this forum so I hope you can get the help you need and come out the other side of all this and get back to focussing on your future career.

In my letter the only part where I said it was a mistake was the first part through the letter I have apologised I am seeking help to get the best out come possible and explaining myself isn’t justifying my actions I’m just giving my rational behind the situation

 

[Western Gaffer]

What is the likelihood of them agreeing to settle out of court ? this is the draft letter that i intend on sending to them
I am writing to express my sincere apologies for travelling with an incorrect ticket on the 8th of March while commuting from Gravesend to Abbey Wood. I fully acknowledge that this was a mistake, and I take full responsibility for my actions.
I am currently an MSc Child Nursing student, completing placement blocks as part of my training. My university strictly limits the amount of paid work I can undertake due to the intensity and responsibility of my studies. As a result, I have been struggling financially, often forced to choose between attending placement and affording a meal. On that day, I simply did not have enough money for the correct ticket, but I had to get to placement. I understand that this does not excuse my actions, but I hope it provides some context as to why I made such a regrettable decision. I acknowledge that my actions were a serious error of judgement and the thought of this impacting my future brings me a great sense of sorrow.
Nursing is my passion, and I have worked tirelessly to pursue this career. I would never knowingly put my future at risk, and I am devastated that a moment of desperation could jeopardise everything I have worked for. A court case would be catastrophic for me, not only financially but also professionally, as it could impact my ability to qualify as a nurse. This is something I cannot afford to happen. It is embarrassing for me to have to admit that at my age I can not afford train tickets but id like to emphasise that this is at no fault of my own but i understand that the rail company is a business and that's none of their business. I am desperate and having to choose between being a belt to do a weekly shop or attending placement is honestly devastating and the cost of living crisis doesn't make it easier.
Since the incident, I have taken immediate steps to ensure this never happens again. I have secured a loan and purchased a railcard, which I now use correctly for all my journeys. This demonstrates my deep regret and my commitment to always following the rules moving forward.
I am truly sorry for any inconvenience caused, and I would be extremely grateful for the opportunity to settle this matter without legal proceedings. I am more than willing to cover any reasonable administrative costs that Southeastern has incurred in dealing with this issue.
Once again, I offer my sincerest apologies and hope you will consider my circumstances with compassion and allow me the opportunity to resolve this amicably. I genuinely want to make things right and ensure I can continue my journey towards becoming a nurse without this mistake defining my future. My actions were out of desperation and not dishonesty and when questioned by the rail officer i was completely honest about the situation at hand.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I truly appreciate your understanding and look forward to your response.
Kind regards,

Others will offer more comprehensive guidance about what should and shouldn't be said within your email, which will be driven by what's put to you when the company gets in touch, but one observation at this stage is that you seem to be portraying the matter as if it was a one-off, whereas both you and the company know that you were short-faring repeatedly, so your message shouldn't seek to imply otherwise.

Trying to deny dishonesty is also something that is unlikely to be appropriate IMHO - your motivation may indeed have been desperation but that doesn't negate the fundamental dishonesty of regularly and knowingly avoiding full payment.

 

[JordR]

I agree with the theme of previous posts. You need to not say it was a mistake, they'll likely investigate your ticketing history and see you have one previous penalty fare and dozens of suspicious journeys.

I'd also lose all or most of your second and third paragraphs. The train company won't care that you're a student nurse or in any other situation where you don't earn much. You should pay the right fare or find an alternative.

Although you won't literally be a thief if convicted, the crime is comparable. In answer to your question, you can't be convicted of a crime and not have a criminal record, how long it stays on disclosable on a criminal record check is a different question but I imagine it's something you will need to proactively tell your regulator regardless. What's the difference between avoiding a fare and walking out of a shop with something you didn't pay for?

To be honest, it also stretches credibility a bit that you will magically become scrupulously honest at work when you're doing this outside work.

 

[WesternLancer]

My question now is it possible for it to be taken to court and not be given a criminal record ?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 8 Mar 2025 ==


Thanks for the input but honestly if you’re not a student nurse you really wouldn’t understand. I worked corporate before this and never evaded a fair because I could afford it. Thanks for the input but hundreds of us from my uni are in this currently in this situation

If it goes to court the only way to not get a criminal record is if the court decides you are not guilty of the offence. From what you have said the chances of that are zero imho.

So if it goes to court you will have a criminal record.

The only way to prevent that is to settle out of court before they prosecute you.

The first step in that is to pay your Penalty Fare asap I’m afraid.

The second step is to save money to pay a settlement which you typically need to pay promptly and in full I’m afraid. If you can persuade them to offer you one.

The only positive side of a court guilty verdict is you can pay the court fine in instalments. But there are far more negative sides.

You have my sympathy. Does your college have any hardship funds you can access beyond the finance stuff live mentioned. I suspect you’ve asked them already.

People here will help you get out of this situation in the least worst way possible but you will need to follow the advice to achieve that however tricky that will seem from your point of view.

 

[whirlybird]

Unfortunately for me i don't. Which also meant i wasn't eligible for the NHS learning support fund that is available for student nurses.

Did you not apply for student finance because you're not eligible for it, or are you eligible but chose not to apply (for whatever reasons)?

If you're eligible for student finance but chose not to apply, it appears that can nevertheless apply for the LSF.

In any case, I'd suggest that you check with your student union and your university to see whether they have hardship funds that you can apply for.

You've stated that your daily journey takes you from Gravesend to Abbey Wood, and that you change at Abbey Wood to the Elizabeth line and that you pay by Oyster from there. It might be worth checking whether you would pay less by buying a single ticket from Gravesend to your final destination. (If you post in the "Fares Advice & Policy" area of this site you may be able to get advice on how best to keep the cost down.) If you now have a 16-25 railcard you can add that to your Oyster card to get a 1/3 discount on off-peak travel.

 

[Mag_seven]

Just a gentle reminder that posts in the Disputes and Prosecutions section must be fully constructive and that any concerns should be reported through the report button.

thanks

 

[AlterEgo]

How can I pay all the outstanding fairs ? Will they tell me the amount I’m owed ? This is the first time hearing they usually settle i was told they usually go to court

Southeastern will complete their investigation first. They may write first and ask for your side of the story, or they may offer to settle for a sum of money at the first letter stage. They do usually check your purchase history.

As a guide - if they settle, it will cost you £18.10 for each return trip where you evaded the fare, plus an admin fee of £100-200 or thereabouts. It will need to be paid basically immediately to avoid prosecution - their deadline will likely be between 14 and 28 days of the settlement agreement, so I recommend you take steps to have this money available for this eventuality.

 

[island]

If the case goes to court it is all but certain that you will be found guilty and receive a criminal record. That has the potential to put your plans of progressing into nursing in jeopardy. It is in your interest to ensure that it does not go to court. You also need to take ownership of the crimes you have committed. The court, and Southeastern, will not care that you think fares are too high. Some contrition would be strongly advisable.

 

[dazzler17]

Southeastern will complete their investigation first. They may write first and ask for your side of the story, or they may offer to settle for a sum of money at the first letter stage. They do usually check your purchase history.

As a guide - if they settle, it will cost you £18.10 for each return trip where you evaded the fare, plus an admin fee of £100-200 or thereabouts. It will need to be paid basically immediately to avoid prosecution - their deadline will likely be between 14 and 28 days of the settlement agreement, so I recommend you take steps to have this money available for this eventuality.

I think the figure here may not be accurate. I believe she will be charged to her final destination on the elizabeth line not to abbey wood. She has changed her payment method but if it was any other type of donutting she would be charged a full replacement fare all the way not just for the bit she is missing out on. The admin fee is spot on though

 

[zaimade]

Welcome to the forum!

We really need to know more about what you've been doing to be able to give appropriate advice. Which stations were you travelling between? Exactly whattickets were you using? How were these tickets purchased?

Based on what you've told us, Southeastern are entotled to prosecute you in the Magistrates Court of they want to. Normally, they will offer an out of court to people who co-operate with them, and who haven't come to their attention before. The problem you've got is you have come to their attention before, and still haven't settled that. Exactly what happened last time - when you say you were given a fine was this at a court? A Penalty Fare? Or an out of court settlement following details being taken? Although not impossible, it will make keeping the matter out of court much more difficult. The first thing you should try and do is pay what is owed from the first case so at least this is no longer an issue when Southeastern start looking at this latest case.

Southeastern will write to you in the next few weeks. The letter will say they've received a report and are considering prosecuting but asking for your version of events before they decide how to proceed. When it comes, post a redacted copy in this thread along with your draft reply and we can assist with proof reading it for you.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 20 Mar 2025 ==

Hiii

Hope everybody is well. I’m a student nurse training in child nursing and yesterday I received a witness statement receipt from Southeastern rail for using an incorrect ticket.

I don’t have a lot of money due to being a student nurse and I don’t have student finance or anything like that so anytime I need to go to placement or school I would usually by an incorrect ticket and then use the Elizabeth line once I get to abbeywood.

The officer took my details and recorded the conversation and also asked me to be honest he emphasised that ill soon be a nurse and it would be easier for it to go in my favour if I was honest. He had asked if they called and went through all the fairs I had skipped would I be able to answer. I did emphasise the fact that I am not a thief and it’s just the current situation of things that I can barely afford to stay in school at the moment.

This morning I have bought a rail card and have started using it even though it is still ridiculously expensive I was hoping maybe this would show as evidence of me wanting to do the right thing

I am just very worried that this will go to court as a nurse I can’t have a criminal record and that is my biggest fear at the moment. I called the drp line and they said I would receive a letter asking to explain my side and then I’d receive a letter of them saying whether they would take it to court or not. I couldn’t afford £50 a week on rail fairs so I definitely can’t afford a lawyer. Is there any advice on this ? It would be much appreciated

I’d also like to add that I have an outstanding fine for the same issue but I literally couldn’t afford to pay it.


Kind regards

Good morning everyone I have revived the letter from SER please see below

 

[AndroidBango]

Your name is showing on those images - best to delete and post a redacted version with your name and reference number obscured.

 

[zaimade]

I didn’t even notice thanks for that

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 20 Mar 2025 ==

Hiii

Hope everybody is well. I’m a student nurse training in child nursing and yesterday I received a witness statement receipt from Southeastern rail for using an incorrect ticket.

I don’t have a lot of money due to being a student nurse and I don’t have student finance or anything like that so anytime I need to go to placement or school I would usually by an incorrect ticket and then use the Elizabeth line once I get to abbeywood.

The officer took my details and recorded the conversation and also asked me to be honest he emphasised that ill soon be a nurse and it would be easier for it to go in my favour if I was honest. He had asked if they called and went through all the fairs I had skipped would I be able to answer. I did emphasise the fact that I am not a thief and it’s just the current situation of things that I can barely afford to stay in school at the moment.

This morning I have bought a rail card and have started using it even though it is still ridiculously expensive I was hoping maybe this would show as evidence of me wanting to do the right thing

I am just very worried that this will go to court as a nurse I can’t have a criminal record and that is my biggest fear at the moment. I called the drp line and they said I would receive a letter asking to explain my side and then I’d receive a letter of them saying whether they would take it to court or not. I couldn’t afford £50 a week on rail fairs so I definitely can’t afford a lawyer. Is there any advice on this ? It would be much appreciated

I’d also like to add that I have an outstanding fine for the same issue but I literally couldn’t afford to pay it.


Kind regards

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 20 Mar 2025 ==

Hello everybody please see the letter I received below

Kind regards

 

[Ducatist4]

Its still got your name visible on it.

 

[zaimade]

Hiii

Hope everybody is well. I’m a student nurse training in child nursing and yesterday I received a witness statement receipt from Southeastern rail for using an incorrect ticket.

I don’t have a lot of money due to being a student nurse and I don’t have student finance or anything like that so anytime I need to go to placement or school I would usually by an incorrect ticket and then use the Elizabeth line once I get to abbeywood.

The officer took my details and recorded the conversation and also asked me to be honest he emphasised that ill soon be a nurse and it would be easier for it to go in my favour if I was honest. He had asked if they called and went through all the fairs I had skipped would I be able to answer. I did emphasise the fact that I am not a thief and it’s just the current situation of things that I can barely afford to stay in school at the moment.

This morning I have bought a rail card and have started using it even though it is still ridiculously expensive I was hoping maybe this would show as evidence of me wanting to do the right thing

I am just very worried that this will go to court as a nurse I can’t have a criminal record and that is my biggest fear at the moment. I called the drp line and they said I would receive a letter asking to explain my side and then I’d receive a letter of them saying whether they would take it to court or not. I couldn’t afford £50 a week on rail fairs so I definitely can’t afford a lawyer. Is there any advice on this ? It would be much appreciated

I’d also like to add that I have an outstanding fine for the same issue but I literally couldn’t afford to pay it.


Kind regards

Hi all please see the letter I’ve been sent below

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 20 Mar 2025 ==

Welcome to the forum!

We really need to know more about what you've been doing to be able to give appropriate advice. Which stations were you travelling between? Exactly whattickets were you using? How were these tickets purchased?

Based on what you've told us, Southeastern are entotled to prosecute you in the Magistrates Court of they want to. Normally, they will offer an out of court to people who co-operate with them, and who haven't come to their attention before. The problem you've got is you have come to their attention before, and still haven't settled that. Exactly what happened last time - when you say you were given a fine was this at a court? A Penalty Fare? Or an out of court settlement following details being taken? Although not impossible, it will make keeping the matter out of court much more difficult. The first thing you should try and do is pay what is owed from the first case so at least this is no longer an issue when Southeastern start looking at this latest case.

Southeastern will write to you in the next few weeks. The letter will say they've received a report and are considering prosecuting but asking for your version of events before they decide how to proceed. When it comes, post a redacted copy in this thread along with your draft reply and we can assist with proof reading it for you.

Please see the letter below

 

[WesternLancer]

Hi all please see the letter I’ve been sent below

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 20 Mar 2025 ==


Please see the letter below

Thanks - looks like the standard letter - have a go at drafting your reply using the usual formula for content given on these threads. Post your draft up here for people to help check it for you before you send it off

factor in the feedback you got on your earlier drafts up thread.

 

[Islineclear3_1]

As a person hoping to go into a nursing profession; who is expected to have morals, values and uphold high standards and show care and compassion for patients, I hope you have changed your attitude by then. You need to take ownership and responsibility for your actions - not blame the government, or other people for your dishonest actions. In your response, you need to convince SouthEastern that you are genuinely, truly sorry for your deliberate actions and that you will never do this again.

Get a part-time paid job - you'll need the extra cash to pay any settlement that is offered to you.

If you are unlucky enough to go to court and be convicted, you'll need to disclose this to the appropriate person at your university (e.g., your supervisor) and the NMC before it shows up on a DBS check.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 21 Mar 2025 ==

Thanks for the input but honestly if you’re not a student nurse you really wouldn’t understand. I worked corporate before this and never evaded a fair because I could afford it. Thanks for the input but hundreds of us from my uni are in this currently in this situation

I have student nurses observing and working in my department every day, so I really do understand the financial pressures. But "it's somebody else's fault" is your attitude here. Maybe you need to revise the NHS and your hospital trust core values and take a good hard look at whether your values align with these. From what I remember, "taking responsibility for your own actions" is one of them

 

[zaimade]

Thanks - looks like the standard letter - have a go at drafting your reply using the usual formula for content given on these threads. Post your draft up here for people to help check it for you before you send it off

factor in the feedback you got on your earlier drafts up thread.

Good morning

I have taken a stab at drafting the letter
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to express my sincere apologies for travelling with an incorrect ticket on the 8th of March while commuting from Gravesend to Abbey Wood. I fully acknowledge that this was wrong and I take full responsibility for my actions.
I am currently an MSc Child Nursing student, completing placement blocks as part of my training. My university strictly limits the amount of paid work I can undertake due to the intensity and responsibility of my studies. As a result, I have been struggling financially, often forced to choose between attending placement and affording a meal. On that day, I simply did not have enough money for the correct ticket, but I had to get to placement. I understand that this does not excuse my actions, but I hope it provides some context as to why I made such a regrettable decision. I acknowledge that my actions were a serious error of judgement and the thought of this impacting my future brings me a great sense of sorrow.
Nursing is my passion, and I have worked tirelessly to pursue this career. I would never knowingly put my future at risk, and I am devastated that my desperation could jeopardise everything I have worked for. A court case would be catastrophic for me, not only financially but also professionally, as it could impact my ability to qualify as a nurse. This is something I cannot afford to happen. It is embarrassing for me to have to admit that at my age I can not afford train tickets but id like to emphasise that this is at no fault of my own but i understand that the rail company is a business and that's none of their business. I am desperate and having to choose between being able to do a weekly shop or attending placement is honestly devastating and the cost of living crisis doesn't make it easier.
Since the incident, I have taken immediate steps to ensure this never happens again. I have secured a loan and purchased a railcard, which I now use correctly for all my journeys. This demonstrates my deep regret and my commitment to always following the rules moving forward.
I am truly sorry for any inconvenience caused, and I would be extremely grateful for the opportunity to settle this matter without legal proceedings. I am more than willing to cover any reasonable administrative costs that Southeastern has incurred in dealing with this issue.
Once again, I offer my sincerest apologies and hope you will consider my circumstances with compassion and allow me the opportunity to resolve this amicably. I genuinely want to make things right and ensure I can continue my journey towards becoming a nurse without this mistake defining my future. My actions were out of desperation and not dishonesty.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I truly appreciate your understanding and look forward to your response.
Kind regards,

 

[zaimade]

As a person hoping to go into a nursing profession; who is expected to have morals, values and uphold high standards and show care and compassion for patients, I hope you have changed your attitude by then. You need to take ownership and responsibility for your actions - not blame the government, or other people for your dishonest actions. In your response, you need to convince SouthEastern that you are genuinely, truly sorry for your deliberate actions and that you will never do this again.

Get a part-time paid job - you'll need the extra cash to pay any settlement that is offered to you.

If you are unlucky enough to go to court and be convicted, you'll need to disclose this to the appropriate person at your university (e.g., your supervisor) and the NMC before it shows up on a DBS check.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 21 Mar 2025 ==


I have student nurses observing and working in my department every day, so I really do understand the financial pressures. But "it's somebody else's fault" is your attitude here. Maybe you need to revise the NHS and your hospital trust core values and take a good hard look at whether your values align with these. From what I remember, "taking responsibility for your own actions" is one of them

I never said it was somebody else fault. So what exactly are you referring to ?

 

[JBuchananGB]

I suggest you delete everything from "I am currently" to "make it easier". The last paragraph "Once again" to "dishonesty" is also superfluous. The railway only wants to know that you have learned your lesson and won't do it again.

 

[zaimade]

Okay many thanks will do that

 

[WesternLancer]

I suggest you delete everything from "I am currently" to "make it easier". The last paragraph "Once again" to "dishonesty" is also superfluous. The railway only wants to know that you have learned your lesson and won't do it again.

Yes. It’s on the long side so any edits will help with that.

 

[TheJester]

I never said it was somebody else fault. So what exactly are you referring to ?

”id like to emphasise that this is at no fault of my own”

So who’s fault was it?

 

[SuspectUsual]

”id like to emphasise that this is at no fault of my own”

So who’s fault was it?

The “no fault” clause refers to the fact the OP can’t afford tickets, not the subsequent fare evasion, but it still needs removing

 

[Islineclear3_1]

Their fairs are ridiculous and have since gone up. My hands were ride it’s either get kicked off the course for not attending class and placement or chance the train.

If their fairs were more affordable or if anybody bothered to pay student nurses I wouldn’t be in this position that being said I accept responsibility on my part I’m just trying to fix it. I’m not expecting the our HSE of my railcard to get me out of trouble completely in just hoping it can’t show intent to do the right thing. I’d just like to avoid court

I never said it was somebody else fault. So what exactly are you referring to ?

See your comments above

 

[Pushpit]

Good morning

I have taken a stab at drafting the letter
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to express my sincere apologies for travelling with an incorrect ticket on the 8th of March while commuting from Gravesend to Abbey Wood. I fully acknowledge that this was wrong and I take full responsibility for my actions.
I am currently an MSc Child Nursing student, completing placement blocks as part of my training. My university strictly limits the amount of paid work I can undertake due to the intensity and responsibility of my studies. As a result, I have been struggling financially, often forced to choose between attending placement and affording a meal. On that day, I simply did not have enough money for the correct ticket, but I had to get to placement. I understand that this does not excuse my actions, but I hope it provides some context as to why I made such a regrettable decision. I acknowledge that my actions were a serious error of judgement and the thought of this impacting my future brings me a great sense of sorrow.
Nursing is my passion, and I have worked tirelessly to pursue this career. I would never knowingly put my future at risk, and I am devastated that my desperation could jeopardise everything I have worked for. A court case would be catastrophic for me, not only financially but also professionally, as it could impact my ability to qualify as a nurse. This is something I cannot afford to happen. It is embarrassing for me to have to admit that at my age I can not afford train tickets but id like to emphasise that this is at no fault of my own but i understand that the rail company is a business and that's none of their business. I am desperate and having to choose between being able to do a weekly shop or attending placement is honestly devastating and the cost of living crisis doesn't make it easier.
Since the incident, I have taken immediate steps to ensure this never happens again. I have secured a loan and purchased a railcard, which I now use correctly for all my journeys. This demonstrates my deep regret and my commitment to always following the rules moving forward.
I am truly sorry for any inconvenience caused, and I would be extremely grateful for the opportunity to settle this matter without legal proceedings. I am more than willing to cover any reasonable administrative costs that Southeastern has incurred in dealing with this issue.
Once again, I offer my sincerest apologies and hope you will consider my circumstances with compassion and allow me the opportunity to resolve this amicably. I genuinely want to make things right and ensure I can continue my journey towards becoming a nurse without this mistake defining my future. My actions were out of desperation and not dishonesty.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I truly appreciate your understanding and look forward to your response.
Kind regards, Yours faithfully

I've suggested some sentences you should remove, though it wasn't that long and did read quite well. It's sometimes a trade off between getting something genuinely in your own words and coming over so concise that it seems formulaic. There isn't much point repeating any given sentiment, and they will have seen every excuse in their time. So they want an apology, some insight, and some confidence it won't happen again. I don't think any attempt at justification is a good idea since SE may query whether you would repeat this deception, and yes I was once a student medic (a very long time ago). You also need to include the reference number.