Out of interest, what if the OP having held an Anytime Day Return between Cardiff and Pencoed, wanted to travel back via the VOG line and break their journey short at Bridgend? Or even travel to Barry or Llantwit Major and break their journey and pick back up later? Would you still argue that a fare is due or a new ticket is required? The ticket is just as valid to Bridgend as it is to Pencoed for this very reason, regardless if they took a non-stop to Bridgend. No wonder the case went no further, if anything the whole ticketing system in the South Wales area needs reforming perhaps to avoid situations like this (a total waste of time and expense where absolutely £0.00 was due)