I was stupid enough to use my mum's freedom pass and got caught plz help

gray1404 · 24 Aug 2017

Good point Clip, I was assuming they were stopped having exited the system. You are right, it could have been on entry too. I was unable the impression an RPI could only detain someone if they refuse to give their name and address. Once the name and address is given they cannot be detained and do not need to answer any more questions. What's got me with this one is its the first time I've heard of an RPI threaten with police for a search for a ticketing matter. Can they do that? Would the police officer had been able to search under these circumstances as a name and address had been given? I think it is a step too far to be threatened with a search for a ticketing matter.

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B088YK · 24 Aug 2017

gray1404 said:
Good point Clip, I was assuming they were stopped having exited the system. You are right, it could have been on entry too. I was unable the impression an RPI could only detain someone if they refuse to give their name and address. Once the name and address is given they cannot be detained and do not need to answer any more questions. What's got me with this one is its the first time I've heard of an RPI threaten with police for a search for a ticketing matter. Can they do that? Would the police officer had been able to search under these circumstances as a name and address had been given? I think it is a step too far to be threatened with a search for a ticketing matter.

How it was is he asked me for my oyster and I showed him mine and not my mum's freedom pass at which point he said he will have to call the police to search me if I don't comply as I got scared I said ok and showed him my mum's freedom pass at which point he grabbed my mum's freedom pass my oyster and my provisional licence and said to follow him to one side where he pulled out the note pad and started taking notes and details he read through the notes and made me sign it which I did to be honest I can't remember if he wrote in the notes that he asked me for the pass and I refused to show the freedom pass at which point he said we will have to call the police to search you
If this is the case do I have any leg to stand on ?
Yes I know it was wrong a horrible mistake on my part but do I have any hope of challenging this ? And yes I was tapping out to leave the station

Clip · 24 Aug 2017

Just wait for TfL to contact you now. There is nothing else you can do but wait then come back here for advice on how to proceed

Islineclear3_1 · 24 Aug 2017

The subject of DBS checks comes up a lot and although legally, you don't have to declare anything, employers and managers (such as myself) look for honesty and integrity in an individual. It's no so much the offence itself that is an issue, it is the ability of the individual to be honest and to be able to reflect upon and learn from previous mistakes - and convince an employer.

This may be relevant in retail as the OP's employer wants to be assured that he won't thieve all the merchandise...

B088YK · 24 Aug 2017

Clip said:
Just wait for TfL to contact you now. There is nothing else you can do but wait then come back here for advice on how to proceed

Thank you I will do

gray1404 · 25 Aug 2017

Please try not to worry. All you can do now is wait for the letter to arrive in the post. This can take anything from a couple of weeks to a few months depending on how busy they are. When the letter arrives it will give you further instructions and you can come back here for advise. You may be invited to give your side of the story or you could be invited for an interview. Either way you need to say sorry for your mistake and assure them that it will never happen again. You should offer to pay them any fares you have evaded plus covering their costs. You will also need to assure them that it will never happen again.

In the mean time I suggest you get saving so any out of court settlement offered if best paid promptly and in full. Of course I am not saying they will offer such a settlement but you never know.

B088YK · 25 Aug 2017

Afternoon guys I just wanted to say I've received the letter from TFL today ( came in 3 days ) stating
On Tuesday 22nd August you were reported for failing to produce a valid ticket pass or photocard for your journey on London underground the facts of the incident are being considered and I must advise you legal proceedings may be taken against you in accordance with TFL prosecution policy
I have 10 days to apply
So should I reply accepting my offence and grovel and apologise and promise this will never happen again and would like to pay for all fares missed and any extra charges

gray1404 · 25 Aug 2017

You should reply at this point apologizing for what happened, show to them you understand the seriousness of what you did and assure them that you have learnt your mistake and that it will never happen again. You should offer to pay the outstanding fare for your journey plus any costs they have incurred in looking into the matter. You can also explain any mitigating factors you feel are relevant.

I would keep it concise and to the point and send it back by Tuesday at the latest (at least first class recorded or by email) keeping a copy. I would also be very truthful about what happened. For example, your account of events suggests that the inspector grabbed items like oyster cards and driving licence from you. You also say that he made you sign the notes. I wonder if in reality he asked for these items and took them from you and asked you to sign his notes? What I am basically saying is not to come across in the letter as having a bad attitude.

We now know that TfL are the people you are dealing with so I am sure others will be along shortly to give more specific advise of how they work normally. Also, you can post a copy of the letter here (taking out any personal details) for it to be checked before sending if that helps.

At least you know they are dealing with this promptly rather then it dragging on hey.

B088YK · 25 Aug 2017

gray1404 said:
You should reply at this point apologizing for what happened, show to them you understand the seriousness of what you did and assure them that you have learnt your mistake and that it will never happen again. You should offer to pay the outstanding fare for your journey plus any costs they have incurred in looking into the matter. You can also explain any mitigating factors you feel are relevant.

I would keep it concise and to the point and send it back by Tuesday at the latest (at least first class recorded or by email) keeping a copy. I would also be very truthful about what happened. For example, your account of events suggests that the inspector grabbed items like oyster cards and driving licence from you. You also say that he made you sign the notes. I wonder if in reality he asked for these items and took them from you and asked you to sign his notes? What I am basically saying is not to come across in the letter as having a bad attitude.

We now know that TfL are the people you are dealing with so I am sure others will be along shortly to give more specific advise of how they work normally. Also, you can post a copy of the letter here (taking out any personal details) for it to be checked before sending if that helps.

At least you know they are dealing with this promptly rather then it dragging on hey.

Thank you very much for the adviceI will do the above and post my letter here

Islineclear3_1 · 25 Aug 2017

B088YK said:
Thank you very much for the adviceI will do the above and post my letter here

The sooner the better and you may wish to send it recorded delivery so that you have proof of postage.

headshot119 · 25 Aug 2017

gray1404 said:
Good point Clip, I was assuming they were stopped having exited the system. You are right, it could have been on entry too. I was unable the impression an RPI could only detain someone if they refuse to give their name and address. Once the name and address is given they cannot be detained and do not need to answer any more questions. What's got me with this one is its the first time I've heard of an RPI threaten with police for a search for a ticketing matter. Can they do that? Would the police officer had been able to search under these circumstances as a name and address had been given? I think it is a step too far to be threatened with a search for a ticketing matter.

I've replied in a new thread.

nta789 · 22 Jul 2018

B088YK said:
Afternoon I was hoping i could get some advise over the last few months I've been going through some financial difficulty and have been stressed at work which in turn has triggered my epilepsy who have referred me to occupational help
I usually top my oyster up on a monthly basis but due to my financial problems I thought I'd use my mother's freedom pass for a while yes I know VERY stupid off me but my head was not in the right place anyway yesterday I got stoped at the station and asked to produce my oyster as I have them my oyster he said it's not the one you used can I see the one you just used so I told him this is the only 1 I have at which point he said he will have to call the police and they will search me as I've never been in trouble with the police before I got scared and apologised and showed my mum's freedom pass he took me aside and took out his note pad and starting taking my details I gave all the information he asked I explained my financial problems and why I did what I did and how I'm really sorry and scared of the outcome he also asked where did i get the freedom pass I said I took my mother's he also asked how long have I used it and I said around 2months he checked my oyster and said this has not been used for a month and how he will have to take my mum's freedom pass went through the notes and made me sign and then read me my rights and said we will be in contact with you soon and not to ignore any letters from them
Yes I made a BIG mistake and yes I'm scared off the out come as the ticket inspector told me this is a criminal offence and how I will be prosecuted and I can get a criminal record as I've never committed a crime before in my life and never been in trouble with the police I wanted to know what happens when I plead guilty I know I will have to pay a fine and is it possible to pay in instalments due to my financial problems and will I get a criminal record and how long does it stay for I'm so terifed as I've really let not just myself but my mother down really bad
Can I plz get some feedback plz

Hey, I was wondering what eventually happened in court or what the final outcome of your situation was?

najaB · 22 Jul 2018

nta789 said:
Hey, I was wondering what eventually happened in court or what the final outcome of your situation was?

If you're looking for advice having found yourself in a similar situation it's best to post your story in a new thread.

I was stupid enough to use my mum's freedom pass and got caught plz help

gray1404

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B088YK

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Clip

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Islineclear3_1

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gray1404

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