Witness statement after lying to the ticket inspector

[llm2025]

Firstly, I know this was a huge error in judgement and now I'm really panicking and super anxious about what might happen next!

I got checked for a ticket on a train from London bridge to wivelsfield yesterday and I didn't have one. I showed my smart card which I used to use when I regularly commuted but stopped using it years ago when I stopped buying season tickets. I'm not really sure why I still carry it. When it didn't work I stupidly lied and said I had purchased a ticket on it and didn't know why it wasn't working.

Ive had problems with my smart card in the past and had to get a replacement and some previous journeys refunded because it would never work (I can see on the account that it hasn't been used since early 2024 when it stopped working) so I basically stopped using it altogether. I know I should've just fessed up but I panicked with it being a busy commuter train and everyone looking at me. The guard was very nice but issued me a witness statement, although the bit of paper doesn't actually say anything about the circumstances.

Now I'm panicking because obviously I shouldn't have lied and I ticked the thing saying I hadn't planned to avoid the fare but obviously I knew the ticket wasn't on there. I immediately added a ticket for the rest of the week to the smart card, despite not even planning to travel today.

Any advise on what might happen next? Do you think I will be penalised more because I continued the lie and didn't just fess up I didn't have a ticket?
I've attached the receipt I was given by the guard.

 

[notmyrealname]

Hi, welcome to the forum.

I suggest you remove their reference at the top of the piece of paper you posted. That way your case will remain anonymous.

The forum pros will be here later to advise you, I'm sure. A lot of people panic and lie when they're stopped but my understanding is that once they write, if you're co-operative and honest they still might settle out of court with you.

Train companies usually check people's ticketing history but it sounds as if they may not have enough information on you to do that. The pros will know more than I do.

 

[tatitiliti]

Firstly, I know this was a huge error in judgement and now I'm really panicking and super anxious about what might happen next!

I got checked for a ticket on a train from London bridge to wivelsfield yesterday and I didn't have one. I showed my smart card which I used to use when I regularly commuted but stopped using it years ago when I stopped buying season tickets. I'm not really sure why I still carry it. When it didn't work I stupidly lied and said I had purchased a ticket on it and didn't know why it wasn't working.

Ive had problems with my smart card in the past and had to get a replacement and some previous journeys refunded because it would never work (I can see on the account that it hasn't been used since early 2024 when it stopped working) so I basically stopped using it altogether. I know I should've just fessed up but I panicked with it being a busy commuter train and everyone looking at me. The guard was very nice but issued me a witness statement, although the bit of paper doesn't actually say anything about the circumstances.

Now I'm panicking because obviously I shouldn't have lied and I ticked the thing saying I hadn't planned to avoid the fare but obviously I knew the ticket wasn't on there. I immediately added a ticket for the rest of the week to the smart card, despite not even planning to travel today.

Any advise on what might happen next? Do you think I will be penalised more because I continued the lie and didn't just fess up I didn't have a ticket?
I've attached the receipt I was given by the guard.

It’s either Southern or Thameslink which are franchises of GTR, who are one of the easiest companies to deal with to settle out of court. They will write to you in the coming weeks (or months at the moment with GTR…) to ask you for your version of events.

While they could choose to prosecute you, it is very unlikely if you:

- Gave them a correct name and address
- Haven’t been caught before
- Reply to their correspondence in an apologetic and contrite way asking to settle out of court, and don’t try to make excuses.

See other posts in the forum for instructions on how to write it.

 

[30907]

Just to add: search posts by forum member Hadders who regularly suggests points to make.

They will not be particularly concerned about your lying BTW, just about your cheating, and expect them to check your travel history - if they don't, it's a bonus.

 

[llm2025]

Hi all, just looking for some advice on a response to an intention to prosecute letter I receive today from Thameslink. The incident was way back in June so I was thinking this letter was maybe not coming. But essentially I was travelling without a ticket when I should have had one. I posted about it at the time but the thread is closed because it was so long ago.
My plan is to send a response below, but any advice on anything else I should add would be appreciated!

Dear Prosecutions Department

I am writing to take accountability and apologise for the incident that occured on 25 June 2025 when I was travelling from London Bridge to XXXX without a valid ticket.
I fully understand what I did was wrong, and take full responsibility for not purchasing a ticket ahead of travel.
I recognise the importance of ensuring that all passengers pay the right fare and I know for certain I will not have the same lapse in judgement again.

Following the incident I have ensured I have purchased tickets well in advance of any travel, and since recently requiring more regular train travel I have purchased an annual season ticket to ensure this will not happen again.

I respectfully request the opportunity to resolve this issue outside of court. I am eager to take responsibility and settle the outstanding fare, as well as any associated charges to conclude this matter.

Kind regards

 

[antharro]

Good letter. To the point and no waffle. Only two edits I'd suggest are:

1) Put the reference number at the top of the letter.
2) You've already stated that you're writing to take accountability. I don't think it's necessary to have the "I am eager to take responsibility" bit as that is the point of the letter.

Leave it a bit for others to respond just in case they come up with anything else. And if you're sending by post, definitely send by Special Delivery, or at least Signed For.

 

[jfollows]

Include some details on the season ticket you have bought, I suggest, rather than just saying you have bought one.

 

[WesternLancer]

Hi all, just looking for some advice on a response to an intention to prosecute letter I receive today from Thameslink. The incident was way back in June so I was thinking this letter was maybe not coming. But essentially I was travelling without a ticket when I should have had one. I posted about it at the time but the thread is closed because it was so long ago.
My plan is to send a response below, but any advice on anything else I should add would be appreciated!

Dear Prosecutions Department

I am writing to take accountability and apologise for the incident that occured on 25 June 2025 when I was travelling from London Bridge to XXXX without a valid ticket.
I fully understand what I did was wrong, and take full responsibility for not purchasing a ticket ahead of travel.
I recognise the importance of ensuring that all passengers pay the right fare and I know for certain I will not have the same lapse in judgement again.

Following the incident I have ensured I have purchased tickets well in advance of any travel, and since recently requiring more regular train travel I have purchased an annual season ticket to ensure this will not happen again.

I respectfully request the opportunity to resolve this issue outside of court. I am eager to take responsibility and settle the outstanding fare, as well as any associated charges to conclude this matter.

Kind regards

Good suggestions have been made but otherwise looks good imho.

Send it tracked postage. Keep copies of everything.

 

[llm2025]

Thanks for the feedback! Will definitely add all those details. What additional details do you think I should add about the season ticket? Ive just assumed they will be able to check that, but should I add the date purchased, where to/from, etc in the letter do you think?

 

[jfollows]

Thanks for the feedback! Will definitely add all those details. What additional details do you think I should add about the season ticket? Ive just assumed they will be able to check that, but should I add the date purchased, where to/from, etc in the letter do you think?

Yes.
You otherwise make it more difficult for them if you force them to look up the details you can easily and simply provide.

 

[WesternLancer]

Thanks for the feedback! Will definitely add all those details. What additional details do you think I should add about the season ticket? Ive just assumed they will be able to check that, but should I add the date purchased, where to/from, etc in the letter do you think?

That sort of stuff or attach a copy or include its serial number maybe.