Thameslink Prosecution letter - Do I need a solicitor ?

[samueljohn123]

I got on the train 30th December and now I have a letter in the mail saying my case may go to court?

I was on a last minute train to Preston park (Brighton) because my dog was being put down. I was in quite alot of distress and went home in a bit of a panic. I tapped on at Farringdon but then hopped on the train to Brighton. I completely forgot to then buy another ticket because of the lack of barrier. On the train I noticed the train inspector was coming and just ordered a ticked out of panic. I was so shocked at to what happened to me, especially under this specific circumstance. I didn’t even clock that I had to tell him I had already tapped in, I just immediately thought oh no I have no ticket on my app. I pay TFL travel every day for work and I’m scared I’m going to get prosecuted and get sent to court. How long will it take for my letter to come back? It arrived 13th March and I sent it back first thing 14th March. Will I need a solicitor? I am going away in May 4-20 and I’m scared I to come home and be sent to court, then get a criminal record. I’m graduating university and I’m scared this will affect my career. Are Thameslink really hard hitters? :’) thank you

 

[Elecman]

If your site name is your real name you maybe best asking one of the Mods to change your site name

 

[alholmes]

Good news is that Thameslink will often settle out of court if you cooperate with them. Don’t even think about solicitors unless it gets to court, which is very unlikely.

Could you post a copy of the letter that you’ve received from Thameslink on here, together with a copy of your reply. Make sure you redact all personal information (name, address, reference).

One question - which card did you use to tap in at Farringdon? Were you aware that Oyster and Contactless aren’t valid at Preston Park?

 

[Hadders]

Welcome to the forum!

What you've described looks like 'pay when challenged' behaviour. A few questions:

- How did you get through the barriers at Farringdon?
- Where was the train when you were spoken to by the inspector?
- Exactly what ticket did you purchase when you were on the train?
- Do you regularly travel to/from Brighton (or Preston Park) for work? If so what tickets do you buy?
- If GTR check your online ticket purchasing history will they find other purchases of short distance tickets?

GTR are normally one of the better train companies to deal with when it comes to this sort of thing. They are normally prepared to offer an out of court settlement to people who co-operate with their investigation, and who haven't come to their attention before.

It normally takes GTR a few weeks to respond to replies, there are many threads involving GTR in this section of the forum so it might be worth having a browse.

 

[30907]

One additional point: on the basis of what you have said, you don't need a solicitor