Thameslink Intention to prosecute received - advice appreciated

[Dravik]

Hi all,

I was hoping for some advice on my response to a Notice of intention to prosecute I got from Govia Thameslink. I was late and stupidly ran through the barriers and got on the train without a ticket, promptly forgot to buy one and I rightly got written up by the inspector, so I'm fully owning the fault.

I have drafted a reply to their letter which I received. Is this likely to be acceptable?

Dear Prosecutions,

RE: Notice of Intention to Prosecute – 25th September 2025, East Croydon Station

I am writing in response to your letter referenced XYZ dated the 6th January.

On 25th September I made a journey from London Bridge to Preston Park and got on the train without a ticket due to rushing and forgetting to buy the ticket online before boarding the train. This was absolutely my fault, and there is no excuse for my forgetfulness. I take full responsibility for travelling without a valid ticket and understand the seriousness of the matter.

I fully appreciate that my actions have had an impact on the rail companies, staff and other passengers. I would like to thank the officer for his courtesy at the time. I am ashamed of my actions and am committed to pay in full before I board in future.

I apologise wholeheartedly and am keen to settle this matter promptly and avoid the need for court proceedings. I will of course pay any fines and for any additional administrative processing I have caused. Please advise the total amount due and how I can make payment so that I may settle the matter immediately.

Once again I am sincerely sorry, and thank you for considering my request to resolve the matter without further action.

---
Thank you in advance

 

[antharro]

It's a good letter! A couple of minor edits.

1) Your first sentence runs on a bit. Try: On 25th September I made a journey from London Bridge to Preston Park. I got on the train without a ticket due to rushing and forgetting to buy the ticket online.
2) (before boarding the train) is redundant even in your original draft.
3) A "fine" can only be issued by a court. You're looking for an out of court settlement, to pay for the fare and the admin.

Apart from that, you're all good.

 

[Haywain]

Once again I am sincerely sorry, and thank you for considering my request to resolve the matter without further action.

What request? The paragraph below doesn't ask a relevant question.

I apologise wholeheartedly and am keen to settle this matter promptly and avoid the need for court proceedings. I will of course pay any fines and for any additional administrative processing I have caused. Please advise the total amount due and how I can make payment so that I may settle the matter immediately.

 

[z444z]

I agree with @antharro’s points.

I’d suggest “I am happy to pay the fare due and administrative costs” instead of what you’ve got.

I’d also suggest removing “Please advise the total amount due and how I can make payment so that I may settle the matter immediately.”, it comes across a bit presumptuous and I think it’s better without.

 

[Dravik]

Thank you all for your amendments, I have changed those bits suggested. All the best