Witness statement explanation

[user3294]

Hi all,

On my way back from xxxxxxx to xxxxxx I was stopped because I didn’t have a ticket. I have been caught doing this and paid the penalty fare two previous times. I was very cooperative with the inspector and apologised. I told him where I’d come from and that I could pay the money today and that I had in fact intended to skip the fare in the multiple choice set of questions at the end. My rationale was to be as honest as possible. To clarify when I said I could pay today this was because I ‘could’ go into my overdraft to pay it. He took a witness statement and said soon I would get a letter giving me the opportunity to make my side of the story known. I have naturally been shaken by this and I am incredibly regretful of my actions. I went back to the station later to ask another inspector whether it was possible for me to pay the fine now. I explained the situation and they told me not to worry and that it would be a settlement fine sent to me.Can someone with experience please tell me what the letter is likely to contain. The initial inspector said he had made a note of my cooperation. Am I likely to get hit with an out of court settlement in the letter when it eventually arrives or is it more likely to be an intention to prosecute. How should I phrase my response letter. I am incredibly ashamed and will never do this again. thanks

 

[jfollows]

We can’t advise you definitively.

As a first time offender, you would get the opportunity to settle out of court.

You will get a letter asking you to explain your reasons.

You can ask to settle out of court by paying unpaid fares plus their investigation costs.

They may agree to this, but it might hinge on whether or not they believe you will not do it again. You do not seem to have learned from your previous experiences but it’s not for me to judge, it will be down to GTR (presumably) to decide on the appropriate approach.

If you do get a letter, you need to think about how your response will look to them. Don’t use words like “honest” if you’ve previously avoided payment.

 

[user3294]

We can’t advise you definitively.

As a first time offender, you would get the opportunity to settle out of court.

You will get a letter asking you to explain your reasons.

You can ask to settle out of court by paying unpaid fares plus their investigation costs.

They may agree to this, but it might hinge on whether or not they believe you will not do it again. You do not seem to have learned from your previous experiences but it’s not for me to judge, it will be down to GTR (presumably) to decide on the appropriate approach.

If you do get a letter, you need to think about how your response will look to them. Don’t use words like “honest” if you’ve previously avoided payment.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 25 Oct 2025 ==

We can’t advise you definitively.

As a first time offender, you would get the opportunity to settle out of court.

You will get a letter asking you to explain your reasons.

You can ask to settle out of court by paying unpaid fares plus their investigation costs.

They may agree to this, but it might hinge on whether or not they believe you will not do it again. You do not seem to have learned from your previous experiences but it’s not for me to judge, it will be down to GTR (presumably) to decide on the appropriate approach.

If you do get a letter, you need to think about how your response will look to them. Don’t use words like “honest” if you’ve previously avoided payment.

Thank you for getting back so quickly. To be honest I’m not really sure what to say. I definitely won’t do it again because this time I have been disciplined more so than before and realised the gravity of my actions. This is my first time not being penaltied on the spot and a proper investigation launched. Could you please advise me on what to say more so to explain myself. I truly have learnt my lesson this time. I need to go back to London and have bought my ticket already because I am committed to never doing this again. Thank you again for responding so quickly.

 

[jfollows]

Read and act on https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/please-read-before-posting-in-disputes-prosecutions.77759/ please.

In particular we need to see anything you’ve been given in order to give you good advice.

 

[user3294]

Read and act on https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/please-read-before-posting-in-disputes-prosecutions.77759/ please.

Could I just clarify one last thing please. Is it possible they send me an out of court settlement fine straight away without asking me to provide my side of the story, or will they definitely ask me to explain myself before coming to a decision?

 

[Fawkes Cat]

As a first time offender, you would get the opportunity to settle out of court.

Although note that the opening post now notes that the poster had been penalty fared on a couple of previous occasions: this may be a late edit of that post, but is confirmed in post #3.

Could I just clarify one last thing please. Is it possible they send me an out of court settlement fine straight away without asking me to provide my side of the story, or will they definitely ask me to explain myself before coming to a decision?

The usual process is for the railway to ask you for your side of the story. Very occasionally (perhaps if time is tight) they don't and offer an out of court settlement straight off: they can also move straight to prosecution.

So you can't read anything into not getting a letter asking for your side of what went on.

(edited to remove OP's previous identity)

 

[jfollows]

Although note that the opening post now notes that the poster had been penalty fared on a couple of previous occasions: this may be a late edit of that post, but is confirmed in post #3.

“Would” not ”Will” indeed, but I may not have been clear enough.
The original poster needs to be careful because of their negative history.
They usually ask for your input first before coming to a decision, but each case is unique.

So far, without any other input, we’re guessing.

 

[user3294]

Although note that the opening post now notes that the poster had been penalty fared on a couple of previous occasions: this may be a late edit of that post, but is confirmed in post #3.



The usual process is for the railway to ask you for your side of the story. Very occasionally (perhaps if time is tight) they don't and offer an out of court settlement straight off: they can also move straight to prosecution.

So you can't read anything into not getting a letter asking for your side of what went on.

Thanks for your response. So you’re saying in all likelihood I will be asked for my side of the story first. Do you have any advice for what to say in this regard. I’m incredibly ashamed to say it but I don’t have any particular excuse. So I’m really not sure what to say other than that this time I have been seriously shaken and won’t do it again (which is true). I will send them a copy of my train ticket return to London. What, if anything else, do you suggest?

 

[John R]

Sending in a copy of a return ticket bought subsequently is meaningless. It’s like saying you got caught for shoplifting but then went back in, actually bought the bottle of whisky (or whatever) and are showing the recipe as proof you won’t do it again.

Did you have no ticket, or a short ticket? If the former, how were you planning to get through the gateline? If the latter, how many other short tickets will they find if they go looking at your account?

 

[user3294]

Sending in a copy of a return ticket bought subsequently is meaningless. It’s like saying you got caught for shoplifting but then went back in, actually bought the bottle of whisky (or whatever) and are showing the recipe as proof you won’t do it again.

Did you have no ticket, or a short ticket? If the former, how were you planning to get through the gateline? If the latter, how many other short tickets will they find if they go looking at your account?

Fair point. I bought a ticket from the station before to the Peterborough station (short ticketing). When you say if they check my account, what do you mean? I get tickets off trainline but I get the tickets as a guest?

 

[John R]

Even if you don’t have an account, I would imagine it would be possible to ask for a list of all tickets associated with your email address (or maybe name and card details).

In which case, if you have multiple tickets from Huntingdon to Peterborough, you should anticipate them asking for the full fare to and from London for each of those instances, if they are inclined to offer you a settlement.

 

[user3294]

Even if you don’t have an account, I would imagine it would be possible to ask for a list of all tickets associated with your email address (or maybe name and card details).

In which case, if you have multiple tickets from Huntingdon to Peterborough, you should anticipate them asking for the full fare to and from London for each of those instances, if they are inclined to offer you a settlement.

I don’t mean to sound contrary at all, but are you speculating or certain here.

Moreover, I’ve been reading online that even if you are prosecuted there are 2 charges. One in which it goes your criminal record and the other which doesn’t. Do you have any idea of when which of the two are implemented? Thanks very much again for taking the time to respond, I really appreciate it.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 28 Oct 2025 ==

Hi all, i apologise for the inconvenience, however I asked for this thread to be removed since my username was my real life name. Upon using the forums more, I realised most people use a different name to their real one so I asked that this thread be deleted and my username be changed. Once my username was changed I thought I’d have to make a new post regarding my situation. Although I uploaded a new post and a few people (some of whom are in this thread) responded to my new thread, moderators subsequently got in contact to say this was an inappropriate use of the report system. They removed my new thread and said that if I want assistance on the matter then I need to make my old thread public again.

Hence I am using this thread again. To confirm for those that commented on the new thread, here is what I wrote:

‘Hi all, I am truly ashamed and embarrassed to have found myself in this situation however travel from xxxx station to xxxxx I was caught short ticketing. I had bought a cheap ticket which was with a 16-17 railcard to enter and exit from either station.



I am utterly ashamed to admit it however this has not been the first time. From the period of 15/10/2024 – 6/12/2024 I avoided fares by using this strategy a total of 11 times. My reason for doing so was being short of cash and needed to attend my university lectures to graduate. This is of course an unacceptable excuse and I am deeply regretful. I was caught twice during this period and issued a penalty notice both times. On the second occasion I was shaken by the inspector and began paying the fare in full every subsequent time I needed to travel for the next 10 months.



Last Friday I was short on cash again and needed to get back home late at night at short notice. So I used the strategy I had used 10 months prior thinking that given how late it was I would be okay. To my horror when I arrived at the station there were several inspectors as well as police checking everyone’s tickets. I cooperated with the inspector fully explaining everything that had happened. He asked me a series of questions including whether I could pay today (which I answered yes to) and whether I had intended to evade my fare (which I thought I best be honest about and answered yes to). Regarding me saying yes to being able to pay today, this doesn’t exactly contradict my point earlier about being short of cash, what I meant is that I would have to go into my overdraft to pay. I was issued a witness statement then and there and I am awaiting a letter from Govia Thameslink.



On this occasion I have been completely distraught due to the raising of this to the prosecution team which has not happened before. I have just graduated from university and the thought of a criminal record/losing my job is so frightening. I am incredibly shaken and will never even think about doing this again. I have read through the forum all last night and can see that I am likely to receive an intention to prosecute letter.



Questions:

In my response I was hoping someone could advise me as to whether I should notify them of the other offences or not?



I was also hoping for some clarity on how I should explain myself. is it worth writing in the letter that I was short of cash and explain what I meant by when I said ‘I could pay today’ or is it more worthwhile to just focus on my remorse and willingness to cooperate and pay whatever is necessary?



Could someone please also clarify how I will know whether to talk about the offences from the letter when it comes. Does the letter explicitly outline repeat offences have been uncovered, or do they leave it open for you to admit it yourself? ‘



Thank you very much for taking the time to read and apologies again for the inconvenience of rereading. I really appreciate all of your advice and support in this matter and I am sorru that some of you have had to respond to multiple threads. This was not my intention whatsoever. Thank you.

 

[John R]

I don’t mean to sound contrary at all, but are you speculating or certain here.

Well the clue to the answer is in my wording:-

I would imagine it would be possible...

 

[WesternLancer]

I don’t mean to sound contrary at all, but are you speculating or certain here.

Moreover, I’ve been reading online that even if you are prosecuted there are 2 charges. One in which it goes your criminal record and the other which doesn’t. Do you have any idea of when which of the two are implemented? Thanks very much again for taking the time to respond, I really appreciate it.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 28 Oct 2025 ==

Hi all, i apologise for the inconvenience, however I asked for this thread to be removed since my username was my real life name. Upon using the forums more, I realised most people use a different name to their real one so I asked that this thread be deleted and my username be changed. Once my username was changed I thought I’d have to make a new post regarding my situation. Although I uploaded a new post and a few people (some of whom are in this thread) responded to my new thread, moderators subsequently got in contact to say this was an inappropriate use of the report system. They removed my new thread and said that if I want assistance on the matter then I need to make my old thread public again.

Hence I am using this thread again. To confirm for those that commented on the new thread, here is what I wrote:

‘Hi all, I am truly ashamed and embarrassed to have found myself in this situation however travel from xxxx station to xxxxx I was caught short ticketing. I had bought a cheap ticket which was with a 16-17 railcard to enter and exit from either station.



I am utterly ashamed to admit it however this has not been the first time. From the period of 15/10/2024 – 6/12/2024 I avoided fares by using this strategy a total of 11 times. My reason for doing so was being short of cash and needed to attend my university lectures to graduate. This is of course an unacceptable excuse and I am deeply regretful. I was caught twice during this period and issued a penalty notice both times. On the second occasion I was shaken by the inspector and began paying the fare in full every subsequent time I needed to travel for the next 10 months.



Last Friday I was short on cash again and needed to get back home late at night at short notice. So I used the strategy I had used 10 months prior thinking that given how late it was I would be okay. To my horror when I arrived at the station there were several inspectors as well as police checking everyone’s tickets. I cooperated with the inspector fully explaining everything that had happened. He asked me a series of questions including whether I could pay today (which I answered yes to) and whether I had intended to evade my fare (which I thought I best be honest about and answered yes to). Regarding me saying yes to being able to pay today, this doesn’t exactly contradict my point earlier about being short of cash, what I meant is that I would have to go into my overdraft to pay. I was issued a witness statement then and there and I am awaiting a letter from Govia Thameslink.



On this occasion I have been completely distraught due to the raising of this to the prosecution team which has not happened before. I have just graduated from university and the thought of a criminal record/losing my job is so frightening. I am incredibly shaken and will never even think about doing this again. I have read through the forum all last night and can see that I am likely to receive an intention to prosecute letter.



Questions:

In my response I was hoping someone could advise me as to whether I should notify them of the other offences or not?



I was also hoping for some clarity on how I should explain myself. is it worth writing in the letter that I was short of cash and explain what I meant by when I said ‘I could pay today’ or is it more worthwhile to just focus on my remorse and willingness to cooperate and pay whatever is necessary?



Could someone please also clarify how I will know whether to talk about the offences from the letter when it comes. Does the letter explicitly outline repeat offences have been uncovered, or do they leave it open for you to admit it yourself? ‘



Thank you very much for taking the time to read and apologies again for the inconvenience of rereading. I really appreciate all of your advice and support in this matter and I am sorru that some of you have had to respond to multiple threads. This was not my intention whatsoever. Thank you.

Have you had a letter from the railway yet? If not best to wait until they ask about other occasions before making up your mind whether to mention them or not. Thought I imagine they would be happy if you did.

Key thing for them is to obtain the money they believe you owe them and for you to stop ever fare evading again.

 

[user3294]

Have you had a letter from the railway yet? If not best to wait until they ask about other occasions before making up your mind whether to mention them or not. Thought I imagine they would be happy if you did.

Key thing for them is to obtain the money they believe you owe them and for you to stop ever fare evading again.

I haven’t had a letter through yet. The incident occurred only a couple of days ago. I’ll send a copy of the letter into this thread when it comes. Thanks.

 

[KirkstallOne]

For now just try to calm down as you will have to wait for a letter which can take up to 6 months. During this time you must ensure you can access post at the address they have, so do setup a mail redirect or brief friends and family if you move in the meantime. There is no advantage to contacting the train company first and we would advise against it, however tempting it may be to try to bring this to a prompt resolution.

If and when you get a letter you will more than likely be able to settle the matter - in our experience court is the last resort for the train companies, TfL being a notable exception to this. Return here then and we will advise a suitable response.

 

[user3294]

For now just try to calm down as you will have to wait for a letter which can take up to 6 months. During this time you must ensure you can access post at the address they have, so do setup a mail redirect or brief friends and family if you move in the meantime. There is no advantage to contacting the train company first and we would advise against it, however tempting it may be to try to bring this to a prompt resolution.

If and when you get a letter you will more than likely be able to settle the matter - in our experience court is the last resort for the train companies, TfL being a notable exception to this. Return here then and we will advise a suitable response.

Really appreciate this mate. Thank you for your understanding and advice. At the end of the day I’ve brought this on myself and learnt a very strong lesson from it.

 

[Trainman40083]

One thing that does jump out of your comments is you mentioned University and graduating. Then you say you applied a 16-17 Railcard. That suggests you may be over 18.

 

[user3294]

One thing that does jump out of your comments is you mentioned University and graduating. Then you say you applied a 16-17 Railcard. That suggests you may be over 18.

Apologies if I was unclear however I was using the 16-17 railcard as a cheaper ticket to short fare. I am in fact over 18.

 

[Elecman]

Apologies if I was unclear however I was using the 16-17 railcard as a cheaper ticket to short fare. I am in fact over 18.

So that’s 2 different offences you’ve committed at the same time

 

[Trainman40083]

I am sure someone will advise the full single fare. Just times that by the number of suspect journeys and add say £150, and you'll have the minimum expected penalty if it goes that way.

 

[user3294]

I am sure someone will advise the full single fare. Just times that by the number of suspect journeys and add say £150, and you'll have the minimum expected penalty if it goes that way.

I see. Thank you very much.

 

[WesternLancer]

I haven’t had a letter through yet. The incident occurred only a couple of days ago. I’ll send a copy of the letter into this thread when it comes. Thanks.

Thanks for clarifying. Maybe use the time now to look at other very similar cases to yours if you think that would help.

 

[user3294]

Thanks for clarifying. Maybe use the time now to look at other very similar cases to yours if you think that would help.

Good idea. I’ve come across a few whereby other people’s short ticketing has been uncovered as a result of the investigation and how they formulated their response. After the letter comes, I’ll use those as a template and post a draft here. Really appreciate the support, thank you.

 

[AlterEgo]

So that’s 2 different offences you’ve committed at the same time

No, it is one offence.

 

[WesternLancer]

Good idea. I’ve come across a few whereby other people’s short ticketing has been uncovered as a result of the investigation and how they formulated their response. After the letter comes, I’ll use those as a template and post a draft here. Really appreciate the support, thank you.

Obtaining a settlement should be achievable though it’s a question of cost of course.

 

[user3294]

Obtaining a settlement should be achievable though it’s a question of cost of course.

I see. I’ll start saving now in anticipation of whatever the figure might be. Thanks again.

 

[user3294]

Hi all. The letter finally came today. I have attached a copy of it to this email. Based on your experience with others in similar situations how do you suggest I should respond. From what I’ve read in other threads it seems best to be apologetic and not provide any kind of excuse/explanation ('they've heard it all before') as well as offer to pay for the admin fees of the investigation. Should I mention the previous penalty fares? Also should I mention the other times I’ve short ticketed? I’ve read in these forums that you don’t need to incriminate yourself however the letter calls for honesty. Is there anyway to tell from this letter whether they know and are expecting me to come clean regarding other instances of short ticketing. Thank you so much for taking the time to read through my situation and any help would be considerably appreciated.

 

[jfollows]

Good to hear your update.
I suggest you only respond to their allegations, and do not volunteer any information that they have not asked for.
If appropriate, admit your error in this case, explain why you won’t do it again, and show willingness to pay unpaid fares plus their costs.
They aren’t asking you about your previous purchase history, so don’t mention it.

 

[user3294]

Good to hear your update.
I suggest you only respond to their allegations, and do not volunteer any information that they have not asked for.
If appropriate, admit your error in this case, explain why you won’t do it again, and show willingness to pay unpaid fares plus their costs.
They aren’t asking you about your previous purchase history, so don’t mention it.

Thank you for coming back so quickly. What you’re saying makes complete sense. I’m going to get to work on writing a letter and will put my first draft here once I’m done.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 9 Feb 2026 ==

so i have spent some more time looking at the letters others is my position have written and have come up with a first draft below. feedback on any potential improvements/changes would be greatly appreciated. thank you again for taking the time to read this:

Dear Fare Evasion Manager,

I am writing in response to your letter dated [date], reference number [reference], regarding the incident on [date] at [station].

Firstly, I would like to offer my sincere apologies for my actions. I fully acknowledge the seriousness of fare evasion and take full responsibility for not holding a valid ticket for my journey. I understand that what I did was wrong and there is no excuse for my behaviour.

At the time, I made a poor decision, and I now recognise the consequences of my actions. I understand that fare evasion causes significant financial losses to the railway network and undermines a system that many honest passengers rely on every day.

This incident has been a genuine learning experience for me. I regret my actions deeply and can assure you that this will not happen again. Since the incident, I have taken care to ensure that I always hold a valid ticket for the full duration of my journeys and will continue to do so in future.

I respectfully ask that you consider allowing me the opportunity to resolve this matter without formal prosecution. I am fully willing to cooperate and to pay the fare owed, along with any administrative or associated costs.

Thank you for taking the time to consider this letter.

Yours sincerely,

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 10 Feb 2026 ==

Hi all. I dont mean to sound pushy at all however any feedback on the above would be rly appreciated. The letter is dated the 2nd February however I only received it yesterday which gives me 7 days to get it back to them. Given this, I’m hoping to send it back as soon as possible. Thanks.