Cautioned today, gave false info, HELP

Hi there,

I have nowhere to turn to. My heart is pounding and I feel like I want to die right now. I feel like my life is over and my future career aspirations are dead. I'm already going through a hard time in my life...

Here's the situation:

Got the train local to me to visit a hairdresser's consultation. I didn't buy the ticket before (I honestly thought I still had the money in my account, but it was my last £7 or so, just enough to cover as being a student), I made the decision to go even though I knew the risk. I was going to not bother going after realising I had insufficient funds at the ticket machine.

So on my way back home, of course the last stop I get asked for my ticket. They initially said I was getting a fine. I said I couldn't cover it and 'lost my ticket' (I lied through this process, expecting them to take my details and give me the fine through the post). They questioned me, but they took my address as it was my only form of ID!! (on my provisional license)

I lied on the description of my travel too... I don't know why. It wouldn't have even benefitted me. It would have honestly benefitted me more if I told the truth, at least it would have made sense. I'm a bad liar... always have been and always will be.

I was issued a fine once before in the past (feeling like more of an idiot at this point).

I contacted my estate agents of my old address to contact the home owners to check for post. I'm gonna visit too.

The only thing I can really do at this point is say I'm guilty, own up and say I'm never going to do this again. I believe I'm on exceptional grounds because i'm going through a hard time in my life. I've just had a breakup from a long-term relationship which I'm seeking counselling for. I'm literally broke and have been searching for a job since finishing University this Summer. I'm on Universal Credit right now just to buy the essentials... I'm living with my parents and most of it goes on rent towards them. I honestly had no money to cover the fare but still decided to go... it's my own stupidity and this experience has taught me to never do this again. My previous fine is also for the same reason, because I'm struggling right now with money and I'm searching for a job.

I really don't want this to go to court. I don't want a criminal record that will be on my name for a lifetime. I FEEL LIKE MY LIFE IS OVER. I'VE LEARNT MY LESSON. HOW DO I STOP THIS GOING FURTHER? Does Greater Anglia take out of court settlement???

I just went round the corner to my local train station and broke down to the woman behind the counter to help me and I felt like I was going to have a heart attack.

Any suggestions would be super appreciated...

Thank you in advance.

I currently work for the Police, I'd be extremely shocked if this leaves you with anything on your record. If you're not disputing the fact you were in the wrong, it's unlikely you will go to court.... just pay the charges that the TOC demand, and go about making better choices in future.... good luck.

Eddie11 said:

I currently work for the Police, I'd be extremely shocked if this leaves you with anything on your record. If you're not disputing the fact you were in the wrong, it's unlikely you will go to court.... just pay the charges that the TOC demand, and go about making better choices in future.... good luck.

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At worst, a court case would lead to a fine, and a criminal record would be spent after a year.

If your provisional licence has the wrong address, best update it quick. That's an offence in itself I believe?

First things first. If this is really making you feel like your life is over - it's not. You will get through this. But in the meantime, if you need someone to talk to and you are desperate, the Samaritans will always listen - ring them on 116 123 or see https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/.

For the actual offence, then the worst that can happen is that you will get taken to court and get a fine. This will remain on your criminal record for a year or so. Very few employers think that a conviction for fare dodging will stop you working for them, although you may have the embarrassment of having to explain what happened.

This will pass. Try not to worry.

Greater Anglia says they prefer to handle things outside of court if they can with settlements. I'm just going to wait for the dreaded letter... that's all I can do at this point. I lied, expecting a silly £20 fine again- this honestly would have provoked me to never travel without a ticket again. I'm a god damn fool.

Fawkes Cat said:

First things first. If this is really making you feel like your life is over - it's not. You will get through this. But in the meantime, if you need someone to talk to and you are desperate, the Samaritans will always listen - ring them on 116 123 or see https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/.

For the actual offence, then the worst that can happen is that you will get taken to court and get a fine. This will remain on your criminal record for a year or so. Very few employers think that a conviction for fare dodging will stop you working for them, although you may have the embarrassment of having to explain what happened.

This will pass. Try not to worry.

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I'm currently planning to see counselling under NHS. Greater Anglia say on their site that they can deal with situations out of court through a settlement, but say I shouldn't wait for a summons. I should act now? But I don't know how I act on this... do I contact their customer support?

Welcome to the forum Benjvmin96

Stop worrying, seriously, your life is not over. You won't go to prison

Between what stations were you travelling? Did you get stopped by barrier staff or a revenue inspector?

The experts will be along soon to advise and thus, additional information would be useful to them

Benjvmin96 said:

I believe I'm on exceptional grounds because i'm going through a hard time in my life.

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I'm sorry that you're going through a hard time, but (and I don't say this to be mean) what difference does that make to the train company? Whether you're dodging the fare for fun or because you're down to your last penny they've still lost the same amount of revenue.

Benjvmin96 said:

I don't want a criminal record that will be on my name for a lifetime.

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Absolute worst case you'll have "a record" for twelve months.

robert7111a said:

Welcome to the forum Benjvmin96

Stop worrying, seriously, your life is not over. You won't go to prison

Between what stations were you travelling? Did you get stopped by barrier staff or a revenue inspector?

The experts will be along soon to advise and thus, additional information would be useful to them

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Travelling between Wickford and Prittlewell (known evasion points, no barriers... that's why I tried it).

I was on the train and stopped by inspectors just as I was about to get off in Wickford.

I simply can't pay a large fine, or have a criminal record over my name because of my professional career aspirations that I've planned. I'm graduating this year.

Thank you, I'd appreciate any help I can get.

najaB said:

I'm sorry that you're going through a hard time, but (and I don't say this to be mean) what difference does that make to the train company? Whether you're dodging the fare for fun or because you're down to your last penny they've still lost the same amount of revenue.
Absolute worst case you'll have "a record" for twelve months.

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I understand the business perspective of losing revenue- totally get it and not offended. I don't mean to come across as a victim either. It's just an awkward financial transition in my life and has been for the past few months.

I just want to avoid this 'record' however I can. I'm not going to know much I guess until I read this letter that I'm fated with. Even though it's for 12 months, I'd still have to mention my previous to employers.

So to be clear...

you have done this before (you said you were fined); then you lied when you got caught again (and you know the known evasion points) and you said in your last post "that's why I tried it"

I would suggest you start saving towards paying off a fine - that's assuming the "railway" won't see this as a second "offence" and report you for prosecution.

It then begs the question: how many other times have you evaded the fare between these two points?

robert7111a said:

So to be clear...

you have done this before (you said you were fined); then you lied when you got caught again (and you know the known evasion points) and you said in your last post "that's why I tried it"

I would suggest you start saving towards paying off a fine - that's assuming the "railway" won't see this as a second "offence" and report you for prosecution.

It then begs the question: how many other times have you evaded the fare between these two points?

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Yes, unfortunately. Case really worsened because I lied today (and the lie didn't even make sense and made it 10x worse). They originally told me I'd receive a fine... so I just assumed this and blagged it.

I moved house in April- that's why they got my old address. Upon becoming local to this station, I only learnt the evasion points very recently through a friend telling me.

Seems clear from what you say that prosecution is likely... I've just done a stupid thing. Can't believe it. They know I had intent to evade in the fabricated story I gave.

Yeah, this isn't good. But I'm not going to give anything false now, just does more damage. I can just tell them the truth, give accurate times so they could check CCTV etc. I did attempt to buy at the machine, but my card declined. I paced back and forth deciding if I should take the risk. I don't know if I will get a chance to change my story to tell them the truth and come clean.

I'll just get my hands on the letter... expecting bad, but hopefully it's not *too* bad.

Benjvmin96 said:

Even though it's for 12 months, I'd still have to mention my previous to employers.

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Only if you are applying for jobs for which a standard or enhanced DBS check would be allowed.

I'm going to call GA tomorrow, sent an e-mail today asking to change the address. I need to do this, first priority.

I wouldn't bother with the "sob story" approach. They'll have heard similar many times, and will regard it with a healthy degree of cynicism. Lots of young people break up relationships during or after uni, and lots come out of uni without immediately getting a job and have to live at home for a bit. It doesn't turn them into fare dodgers though, so you can't expect it to carry any weight. Indeed, giving excuses for your behaviour can reduce the believability as to whether you are genuinely sorry.

Also, if I look at what you've told us here there are some inconsistencies. First you've finished uni and are looking for a job, then later you say that you will be graduating this year, which written in the future tense would suggest next summer. Then you were off to a hairdressing consultation, but didn't even have the £7 for a ticket. So anything unnecessary you put down is just as likely to draw further doubt as to your truthfulness and whether your contrite is genuine.

That may come across harsh, but I'm trying to see it in the eyes of those who will get your letter and decide what action to take.

Brissle Girl said:

I wouldn't bother with the "sob story" approach. They'll have heard similar many times, and will regard it with a healthy degree of cynicism. Lots of young people break up relationships during or after uni, and lots come out of uni without immediately getting a job and have to live at home for a bit. It doesn't turn them into fare dodgers though, so you can't expect it to carry any weight. Indeed, giving excuses for your behaviour can reduce the believability as to whether you are genuinely sorry.

Also, if I look at what you've told us here there are some inconsistencies. First you've finished uni and are looking for a job, then later you say that you will be graduating this year, which written in the future tense would suggest next summer. Then you were off to a hairdressing consultation, but didn't even have the £7 for a ticket. So anything unnecessary you put down is just as likely to draw further doubt as to your truthfulness and whether your contrite is genuine.

That may come across harsh, but I'm trying to see it in the eyes of those who will get your letter and decide what action to take.

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Yes, I'm graduating in December (it's strange, but it's just how it is). I've finished my studies though since Summer, it's just a transition period. The consultation for the hairdressers was free... but yes I decided to stupidly take the risk.

I'm going to talk to IRCAS today, it goes through them and not GA. I did E-mail them, but it can take up to 5 days for a response.

Benjvmin96 said:

The consultation for the hairdressers was free... but yes I decided to stupidly take the risk

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Even so it's best not to mention it because, and again I'm not trying to be mean, split ends aren't a life or death issue. Had you been going to a job interview then it would be a different matter.

If you are genuinely seeking a job, then consider getting a Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card for future journeys. It's a free railcard that can be obtained from the Jobcentre Plus

A premeditated and reasonably sophisticated attempt at fare evasion. Obviously not a first offence either.

You have been given sound advice on this thread. You may well escape prosecution, but this event will carry a financial hit, whatever the outcome.

Whilst many in the industry are open minded to one off mistakes, serial fare dodgers do attract a more rigorous response.

For goodness sake, check out rail cards and relevant forms of concessionary travel for future journeys.

Being caught appears to have caused you considerable angst. Don't put your prospects and mental health at risk for a what is after all, petty dishonesty.