So back in January, I had to get the train to meet a client. When I got to the station, they were unable to take card payments as their systems were down so I was told by staff and the numerous posters they had up to pay on the train. Within one stop, a train inspector came through the carriage, with my card in hand, i explained the situation at the station and asked to buy a ticket. He said that he was unable to issue one and would have to give me a fine which I could appeal and get reduced to the price of the journey.
A few days later I send off a letter with a copy of the penalty fare explaining the situation. I've heard nothing back until yesterday when I received a court summons. Within this court summons is a witness statement by the ticket inspector stating that I didn't have a ticket because I had 'no means of payment' when in fact it was him that had no means of payment, I was holding my debit card when he approached me. Also, he's included a copy of the penalty fare notice which curiously states a different penalty fare to the one I was given on the day (I still have it). He says in his statement that my intention was to try and get away with it. I've been wanting to pay for my bloody journey since day one!
Anyway, I'm now wondering what my options are. Obviously, I don't want to plead guilty as I have every intention of paying for my journey but had no correspondence from the TOC since my letter. At the same time though, if I plead not guilty then I could incur more costs from the court :/
Any advice would be gratefully appreciated.
A few days later I send off a letter with a copy of the penalty fare explaining the situation. I've heard nothing back until yesterday when I received a court summons. Within this court summons is a witness statement by the ticket inspector stating that I didn't have a ticket because I had 'no means of payment' when in fact it was him that had no means of payment, I was holding my debit card when he approached me. Also, he's included a copy of the penalty fare notice which curiously states a different penalty fare to the one I was given on the day (I still have it). He says in his statement that my intention was to try and get away with it. I've been wanting to pay for my bloody journey since day one!
Anyway, I'm now wondering what my options are. Obviously, I don't want to plead guilty as I have every intention of paying for my journey but had no correspondence from the TOC since my letter. At the same time though, if I plead not guilty then I could incur more costs from the court :/
Any advice would be gratefully appreciated.