Freedom pass misuse, caught, shame and please help

[Bestrong]

Hi, if anyone could give me some idea what to do, please.
I was caught using father-in-law freedom pass by the station Turner green.
I told the staff I just used this once but I actually used it many times. shame of myself and very regret.
Card was taken, my details has been taken too.
After reading the forums i learned many things i don't know before. Thank you so much.
English is not my first language, so I just type simple words here.
My question is
1. if I reply them by email, how long does it take to get the second letter or email back, I worry I won't be at home if they send me letter by post.
2. for any process, does TfL or the court will check my ID, bankstatement, or pay slip?

I have received the letter from TfL and I am planning to write a letter back.
If anyone have some spare time to read my letter (helped from Chatgpt) and give me some comets, I really really appreciate it.
if you want to judge me, also welcome, this gives me lesson not to be greedy. I learned it deeply.
I will post every step between me and TlF i promise.

 

[Islineclear3_1]

Welcome to the forum

The experts will be along soon but for now:

a) nobody here will judge you
b) never use Chatgpt

Just reply to the single offence and post up your draft here so the experts can read and give you advice.

Have you informed your father-in-law that his freedom pass has been confiscated?

 

[Fawkes Cat]

b) never use Chatgpt

As the OP tell us that English is not their first language, this may not be good advice. My suggestion would be to come up with a reply as well as you can - but please post it here for us to have a look at it. We'll try to suggest ways to make it read better

 

[Bestrong]

Welcome to the forum

The experts will be along soon but for now:

a) nobody here will judge you
b) never use Chatgpt

Just reply to the single offence and post up your draft here so the experts can read and give you advice.

Have you informed your father-in-law that his freedom pass has been confiscated?

Thank you.
I am not sure how to make sentence together to make a whole thing logical.

sorry, i don't understand what you mean by reply to the single offence?

My Father-in-law not in Uk at the moment, so not sure if should tell him now.

Here is my draft:

Subject: Request for Leniency and Settlement case XXXXX

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to express my sincere apologies for the recent incident involving my travel by using my Father-in-law Freedom Pass on the 25th July. I fully acknowledge my mistake and deeply regret my actions. I would like to provide express and request your consideration in resolving this matter without proceeding with a prosecution.

Firstly, I want to emphasize that I am genuinely sorry for TlF financially lost because of people like me. I have been so shamed and regretted of myself. This incident does not reflect my usual behaviors, as I have always been a law-abiding person. I understand the importance of following rules and regulations and deeply regret my lapse in judgment.

As a student host family, enhanced DBS check requested yearly, loosing the job will make my financial situation very challenging. I am also facing significant health issues, including the need for surgery to remove a lump/tumor from my stomach. The thought of my visa being affected by this incident and the potential separation from my children has been overwhelming. The stability and well-being of my children are my top priority, and I am trying my best to provide for them under difficult circumstances.

I have learned a valuable lesson from this experience and assure you that I will never repeat this mistake, also tell other people travelling with valid ticket. I am eager to settle this matter amicably and am willing to pay the outstanding fare and any administrative costs incurred by TfL in handling this issue. I respectfully request that you consider my situation and allow me to resolve this matter without resorting to court proceedings.

Thank you for your understanding and consideration. I am hopeful that you will take into account my apology, my commitment to rectify the situation, and the potential impact on my family and health.

Sincerely,

XXXX

As the OP tell us that English is not their first language, this may not be good advice. My suggestion would be to come up with a reply as well as you can - but please post it here for us to have a look at it. We'll try to suggest ways to make it read better

Thank you for the advice, i just post the draft, please give me some suggestion.

 

[Fawkes Cat]

OK. I've made a few changes to try and make the language work a bit better, and put a few spellings right - click on where it says 'Click to expand' to see all of it:

Here is my draft:

Subject: Request for Leniency and Settlement case XXXXX

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to express my sincere apologies for the recent incident involving my travel by using my Father-in-law father-in-law's Freedom Pass on the 25th July. I fully acknowledge my mistake and deeply regret my actions. I would like to provide express and request your consideration in ask you to consider resolving this matter without proceeding with a prosecution.

Firstly, I want to emphasize that I am genuinely sorry for TlF financially lost because of people like me TfL losing money because of what I did. I have been so shamed and regretted am so ashamed of myself and regret ever doing this. This incident does not reflect my usual behaviors behaviour, as I have always been a law-abiding person. I understand the importance of following rules and regulations and deeply regret my lapse in judgment.

If you take me to court and I am convicted, this will be on my DBS record. As a student host family with an enhanced DBS check requested yearly, loosing losing the job will make my financial situation very challenging. I am also facing significant health issues, including the need for surgery to remove a lump/tumor tumour from my stomach. The thought of my visa being affected by this incident and the potential separation from my children has been overwhelming. The stability and well-being of my children are my top priority, and I am trying my best to provide for them under difficult circumstances.

I have learned a valuable lesson from this experience and assure you that I will never repeat this mistake. I will also tell other people travelling with valid ticket. I am eager to settle this matter amicably and am willing to pay the outstanding fare and any administrative costs incurred by TfL in handling this issue. I respectfully request that you consider my situation and allow me to resolve this matter without resorting to court proceedings.

Thank you for your understanding and consideration. I am hopeful that you will take into account my apology, my commitment to rectify the situation, and the potential impact on my family and health.

Sincerely,

XXXX

There's other comments that could be made, but I hope I haven't changed what you are trying to say.

I do need to warn you that TfL take misuse of things like Freedom Passes very seriously. So they may decide that you need to be taken to court. But it's possible that they may be prepared to give you a final warning, so it's worth writing to them to see what will happen.

 

[Bestrong]

OK. I've made a few changes to try and make the language work a bit better, and put a few spellings right - click on where it says 'Click to expand' to see all of it:


There's other comments that could be made, but I hope I haven't changed what you are trying to say.

I do need to warn you that TfL take misuse of things like Freedom Passes very seriously. So they may decide that you need to be taken to court. But it's possible that they may be prepared to give you a final warning, so it's worth writing to them to see what will happen.

Oh dear, it takes me so long to draft this even by using chatgpt, and you are so efficient.

I have been feeling shame and guilty since i have been caught, never thought there is forum could help people here.
Thank you for your help, more than I can say.

I have been prepared for the worst, so if they decide to take me to the court I have to accept it and face it.
Then my life is like having a small dirt on a piece of white paper.

 

[najaB]

I am not sure how to make sentence together to make a whole thing logical.

The reason why we advise against using systems like chat GPT it's because the people who read these letters will be getting dozens if not hundreds of them and it's fairly easy for them to tell when it's been written by an AI.

An AI response makes it look like you're not taking the matter seriously.

Because English isn't your first language, you'd be better placed to write it using your native language and then translate it using something like Google translate. Include a note that it's been auto translated, or include the original.

As others have already said TFL take freedom pass abuse very seriously, and so you should be prepared for them to want to take this to court.

 

[Bestrong]

The reason why we advise against using systems like chat GPT it's because the people who read these letters will be getting dozens if not hundreds of them and it's fairly easy for them to tell when it's been written by an AI.

An AI response makes it look like you're not taking the matter seriously.

Because English isn't your first language, you'd be better placed to write it using your native language and then translate it using something like Google translate. Include a note that it's been auto translated, or include the original.

As others have already said TFL take freedom pass abuse very seriously, and so you should be prepared for them to want to take this to court.

Right, i get what you mean.
I will try to write my language and translate it, and post here later.
Thank you for your advice, appreciate it.

 

[NorthernSystem]

Please be aware, your case number is visible on the rear page of the document uploaded.

 

[Bestrong]

Please be aware, your case number is visible on the rear page of the document uploaded.

Oh dear, thank you for this, i am re-uploading now

Right, i get what you mean.
I will try to write my language and translate it, and post here later.
Thank you for your advice, appreciate it.

I have first write in my language, and then Google helped me with this, not sure if it did it too long?


Subject: Request for Leniency and Settlement case XXXXX

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing this letter to express my sincere apologies for the recent incident that occurred on July 25th while I was traveling on my father-in-law’s Freedom Pass. My actions caused financial losses to TfL and caused additional workload for staffs. I am deeply shame of myself, my heart is filled with ups and downs and my thoughts are heavy. In addition to apologies and regrets, I am also worried and tormented. I have been reflecting on why I did such a thing. Whether it is my health problems or unstable income, it should not be an excuse for me to evade fares.



I am a law-abiding person and this is the first time I have made such a mistake. I have deeply realized my serious mistake and the losses I caused to TFL. I am willing to pay the outstanding fare and any administrative costs incurred by TfL in handling this issue., and tell people around me to buy valid tickets, abide by the law, and not to make a big mistake for a small sum.



My job is to look after young boarding children, which requires enhanced DBS check yearly. A court appearance could stop my job, citizenship application, and, most distressingly, face being separated from my two young children. Additionally, I am currently dealing with stomach lump that requires surgery, adding to my stress and health concerns.



I humbly ask for your discretion and leniency in this matter. I swear on my health and well-being that I will never repeat this mistake. Please consider my apology, my willingness to make amends, and the serious implications this situation may have on my family and health. I respectfully request that you consider my situation and allow me to resolve this matter without resorting to court proceedings.



Thank you for your understanding and consideration.

Sincerely,

XXXX

 

[Islineclear3_1]

You said in your opening post that you used you father-in-law's freedom pass "many times" but in your letter, you state that "this is the first time I have made such a mistake". Both cannot be true; i.e. you either used it many times - or - this is the first time. Tfl will know that you have used it many times. I would also think seriously whether use of the freedom pass was really "a mistake". Tfl are unlikely to accept this.

Regarding your first paragraph: I would just stick to the first sentence or two and remove the rest. Tfl won't be interested in "my heart being full of ups and downs..my thoughts being heavy...worried and tormented. They also won't be interested in your "stomach lump"

 

[Bestrong]

You said in your opening post that you used you father-in-law's freedom pass "many times" but in your letter, you state that "this is the first time I have made such a mistake". Both cannot be true; i.e. you either used it many times - or - this is the first time. Tfl will know that you have used it many times. I would also think seriously whether use of the freedom pass was really "a mistake". Tfl are unlikely to accept this.

Regarding your first paragraph: I would just stick to the first sentence or two and remove the rest. Tfl won't be interested in "my heart being full of ups and downs..my thoughts being heavy...worried and tormented. They also won't be interested in your "stomach lump"

Thank you for read my thread.

I did use the pass many times, by "first time" i mean this type of mistakes. How do i address it? Shall i write: this is the first time i have made this type mistake?

Tfl won't be interested in "my heart being full of ups and downs..my thoughts being heavy...worried and tormented. They also won't be interested in your "stomach lump"

I am trying to explain how sorry I am and really regret i did. hopefully they can give me a little mercy?

 

[Islineclear3_1]

I get it - and believe me, I do sympathize but.... using somebody else's freedom pass is not a mistake (especially on multiple occasions). You were not authorized to use it and Tfl will see this as fraud. This is very serious.

You can ask for mercy (and good luck) but it is very likely that the person at Tfl reading your letter will not be interested in your health conditions or circumstances. In their eyes, there is no excuse for using somebody else's freedom pass - which for obvious reasons does not entitle you to use it

You can show contrite (sorrow and regret) but don't overdo it. Keep the letter short and concise (to the point)

 

[Hadders]

Welcome to the forum!

Transport for London take misuse of Freedom Passes very seriously and a prosecution under the TfL Bylaws is the usual outcome.

The Verification Letter is your opportunity to give any mitigating circumstances to take into account whenyou want TfL to take into account when deciding how to proceed. Forum members are giveing good advice in how you can refine your reply.

TfL generally do not offer out of court settlements although in some very limited circumstances they have been known to issue a final warning instead of prosecution. Prosecutions are normally done through what is called a Single Justice Procedure Notice. This means that if you plead guilty it is not necessary to attend court in person (unless you choose to do), you simply return the form to the court with any mitigation you want them to tae into account and they will write to you with the details of the fine you have to pay.

If you are prosecuted and plead guilty (or are found guilty by the court) then you will have to pay:

- A fine based on your income
- A surcharge of 40% of the value of the fine
- A contribution towards TfL's costs
- Compensation for the fares avoided

If you are found guilty then this is a criminal conviction. If you are prosecuted under the TfL Bylaws (which is what normally happens) then the conviction isn't normally recorded on the Police National Computer and won't normally appear on Basic DBS checks although we always advise people to be honest when asked if they have a conviction.

A criminal conviction for a railway ticketing matter won't normally affect future career prospects but do note that legally we are unable to comment or assist when it comes to immigration issues.

Here's a link to TfL's Revenue Enforcement & Prosecutions Policy which you might find worth reading:

https://content.tfl.gov.uk/revenue-enforcement-and-prosecutions-policy.pdf

 

[Bestrong]

I get it - and believe me, I do sympathize but.... using somebody else's freedom pass is not a mistake (especially on multiple occasions). You were not authorized to use it and Tfl will see this as fraud. This is very serious.

You can ask for mercy (and good luck) but it is very likely that the person at Tfl reading your letter will not be interested in your health conditions or circumstances. In their eyes, there is no excuse for using somebody else's freedom pass - which for obvious reasons does not entitle you to use it

You can show contrite (sorrow and regret) but don't overdo it. Keep the letter short and concise (to the point)

Thank you for the advice, I will try to shorten it.

 

[Bestrong]

Just as promised, I am coming back to say my result.
I have asked league help and get a warning in last month in the end.

 

[Blinkbonny]

Not sure of your full meaning here. But 'warning" sounds like a good result.

Don't make any more errors!

 

[hchaudhry109]

Just as promised, I am coming back to say my result.
I have asked league help and get a warning in last month in the end.

do you mean legal help?

 

[Titfield]

do you mean legal help?

and if so was this free help or did you pay for it (and if so how much)?

The more information we can get from resolved cases the better the regular forum posters can guide those seeking our help.