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We receive so many new posters on here (and elsewhere) expressing disbelief that ticketless rail travel is an offence which (in approp. circs.) carries a lifelong criminal record.
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At the risk of splitting hairs - and I am not a troll - there are times when travelling between stations with out a ticket can't be avoided My local station doesn't have ticket issuing facilities and the next one on the line going east doesn't have them either. They used to have them but they were abandoned. Am I not entitled to use the two stations ? When I get on I fully intend to pay my fare to any inspector.
When they say "ticketless travel" in this context they are referring to someone who repeatedly turns down opportunities to purchase the ticket, as Sam Main did. The term "ticketless" can also refer to smart cards (as in there is no physical ticket). There is no recognised meaning for the term "ticketless" and it is best avoided as it can cause confusion. But in the context of this discussion I think we can know what they mean. It obviously does not in any way refer to the situation you describe!
Sam Main apparently spotted that he did not have the correct ticket on the way into Edinburgh (whether that is true or not we will never know, but assuming it is...). He had the opportunity to ask the guard on that train to sort it out. He didn't. He had the opportunity to sort it out at Edinburgh Waverley. He didn't. The guard then came round and he again declined the final opportunity to purchase a ticket, and was abusive and was asked to leave the train.
In my view it is morally right that an abusive chav who is refusing to leave the train can be moved. Sadly the law is inadequate. The big man did not assault Sam Main, however when he moved him, Sam Main turns round and attempts to throw a punch, the big man has hold of his arms to prevent Sam Main thumping him. Sam Main causes himself to stumble as a result of resisting. Sam Main is not injured when initially removed from the train but causes injury to himself when he repeatedly launches himself into the train when he has no right to board it.
It is clear that Sam Main is in the wrong.
Unfortunately most of the time such chavs get away with acting like him. Therefore I am pleasantly surprised when someone deals with them in an appropriate way.
The people supporting Sam Main and/or having a go at the big man perhaps lack experience of troublemaking, obnoxious abusive chavs. Or perhaps some of his supporters are chavs and are outraged at the prospect of being challenged engaging in chavish behaviour (not anyone on this forum I am sure!).
