i travelled a couple of months ago on an off peak return ticket to london which cost me £13. when i got back to the gate at my starting station i put the ticket in and it was rejected. I showed it to a member of staff who pointed out it was the outward part of the ticket. I definitely had the other half (I used it to work the automatic gates when I started my return journey so it must have fallen out when I pulled my ticket from my pocket as i got off the train). I was told I had to pay a £46 penalty fare. I thought that was excessive. I offered to go and look for the ticket but was told I had to have it in my possesion at all times. I have a receipt to prove I have paid which I proffered at the time. Now I have a letter saying notice of intention to prosecute me in the magistrates court saying 'I entered a train for the purpose of travelling without a ticket entitling to travel' and asking for my comments. I obviously did have a ticket when I entered the train and I suspect when I disembarked. A trip to the magistrates court feels a bit over the top for an accident but being charged nearly four times the cost of the ticket for an accident also seems excessive.
How do I find out the correct fine, and what if anything should I write in response to this letter
How do I find out the correct fine, and what if anything should I write in response to this letter