Hello, I would hugely appreciate any help with the below matter which is causing me a huge amount of stress and anxiety.
On Dec 20th I was stopped at Stevenage station with an expired 16-25 railcard (expired Oct 30th). I had the completed application form for the new railcard in my bag, including the photographs, all had been stamped and signed by my university. I was able to show these all to the inspector and naively though he would simply ensure that I bought my new railcard there and then, or issue me with a fine. Instead he notified me that I would get a letter regarding prosecution. This letter arrived today. It is from Govia Thameslink Railway.
The alleged offence 'That you did enter a train for the purpose of travelling on the railway, and upon inspection at Stevenage; did not produce a valid ticket entitling travel' The letter asks for my response.
I have read other threads and this is my draft response. Please let me know your thoughts.
"On Dec 20th I travelled with an expired student railcard and I would like to profusely apologise for this matter. I now understand that simply having the completed student railcard application form with me was not sufficient and I deeply regret my actions. I have subsequently purchased the new 16-25 railcard and set up a calendar reminder to ensure this does not happen again.
I would like to respectfully request that you consider settling the matter out of court, I will of course pay any outstanding fare and fees."
The advice on this forum says not to include any sob stories. But I would also be keen to know your thoughts on whether to include these mitigating circumstances; I have ADHD, and am going through separation/divorce and a house-move.
Also, is it worth saying any prosecution could have a devastating effect on my future career?
On Dec 20th I was stopped at Stevenage station with an expired 16-25 railcard (expired Oct 30th). I had the completed application form for the new railcard in my bag, including the photographs, all had been stamped and signed by my university. I was able to show these all to the inspector and naively though he would simply ensure that I bought my new railcard there and then, or issue me with a fine. Instead he notified me that I would get a letter regarding prosecution. This letter arrived today. It is from Govia Thameslink Railway.
The alleged offence 'That you did enter a train for the purpose of travelling on the railway, and upon inspection at Stevenage; did not produce a valid ticket entitling travel' The letter asks for my response.
I have read other threads and this is my draft response. Please let me know your thoughts.
"On Dec 20th I travelled with an expired student railcard and I would like to profusely apologise for this matter. I now understand that simply having the completed student railcard application form with me was not sufficient and I deeply regret my actions. I have subsequently purchased the new 16-25 railcard and set up a calendar reminder to ensure this does not happen again.
I would like to respectfully request that you consider settling the matter out of court, I will of course pay any outstanding fare and fees."
The advice on this forum says not to include any sob stories. But I would also be keen to know your thoughts on whether to include these mitigating circumstances; I have ADHD, and am going through separation/divorce and a house-move.
Also, is it worth saying any prosecution could have a devastating effect on my future career?