The letter wait

[rota]

Hello, so recently I didn't purchase a ticket and traveled without one, at the station I was stopped by an inspector and said that I wanted to go buy a ticket at a ticket booth, he accused me of lying telling me I traveled without paying a fare requesting all my details, at that point I got really intimidated and lied that I didn't travel by the train which I later cleared up that I did, provided him with all my details and id and apologised, he said I should be getting letter within a couple of days. It's nearly been 2 months and no sign of the letter. How long can such letter take to be posted? and plus if it usually takes longer does that mean I am more likely to get prosecuted? I did a really stupid thing that I really regret and I am really worrying about getting a criminal records, similarly to the people that I usually in this situation if I could get some advice about this it would be great. It was Virgin Train by the way if it means anything.

 

[island]

If you chose not to purchase a ticket at facilities available at your station, you committed a criminal offence.

The train company has up to 6 months from the date of the alleged offence to lay information before the Magistrates Court (one of the steps on the way to issuing a summons). They have plenty of time yet so the main thing you can do is wait and see. Some people recommend phoning up the train operating company in question but the flip side of this is that they might have lost track of you and you could end up reminding them.

 

[rota]

What happens after 6 months have passed? Do I stop worrying then? I have read many posts about people in similar situation than me so I kinda get the picture of what might happen and what are the possible outcomes. The unknown is the worst. Most of the people that have posted have gotten their letters within the month or just around that time, mine has been a lot longer so I cannot stop but worry. I don't really wanna ring them up to remind them, so guess will just have to wait and maybe seek your advice when the letter does arrive. Thank you for replying

 

[455driver]

The papers have to be laid at the Court within 6 months, it can take a month or 2 to go through the Courts and a date for a hearing to be arranged.

 

[rota]

Well the inspector told me I will get an unpaid fare notice, didn't even get that so that's why I am thinking they are going for prosecution considering the time taken.

 

[island]

Unpaid fares notices are normally issued by the inspector on the spot and a copy handed over.