Got caught 1st time and looking for advice

[nickme]

Hello everyone, I have landed myself in a situation due to poor judgement and looking for advice. This is very scary and I could lose my job. This was happened on 28th Feb, and I am very stressful and not able to sleep properly since then.

I got caught by a ticket inspector on 28th Feb while travelling without a valid ticket. Before they could check, I quickly bought one online, but the inspector saw this and took my details. I usually travel multiple times in a month between xxxxx and London in peak hour and that cost me a lot of money. But occasionally bought short tickets or travelled without one to save money—a really stupid decision, I know.

Now I’m terrified about what happens next. Will I be fined, or could this go to court? If I get a conviction, it might affect my DBS, and I could lose my job. I tried calling Thameslink but got no response.

Has anyone been in a similar situation? Any advice would be really appreciated.

 

[6Gman]

Hello everyone, I have landed myself in a situation due to poor judgement and looking for advice. this is very scary and I could lose my job. This was happened on 28th Feb and I am very stressful and not able to sleep properly since then.
I got caught by a ticket inspector on 28th Feb while traveling without a valid ticket. Before they could check, I quickly bought one online, but the inspector saw this and took my details. I usually travel multiple times in a month between Stevenage and London in pick hour and that cost me a lot of money. but occasionally bought short tickets or traveled without one to save money—a really stupid decision, I know.
Now I’m terrified about what happens next. Will I be fined, or could this go to court? If I get a conviction, it might affect my DBS, and I could lose my job. I tried calling Thameslink but got no response.
Has anyone been in a similar situation? Any advice would be really appreciated.

At this stage there's little you can usefully do until they get in touch with you.

You will almost certainly get a letter from them asking you to explain your position.

If you co-operate they are likely to offer an out of court settlement (perhaps the cost of the ticket avoided + £150 for their admin costs).

However if you have left a paper trail of past offences (e.g. they can trace suspicious online bookings) they may well wish to include those in any settlement, or they may choose to move to prosecution.

So, do nothing now (except start to save up - and don't do it again). Wait for the letter and then come back here for further advice.

 

[nickme]

At this stage there's little you can usefully do until they get in touch with you.

You will almost certainly get a letter from them asking you to explain your position.

If you co-operate they are likely to offer an out of court settlement (perhaps the cost of the ticket avoided + £150 for their admin costs).

However if you have left a paper trail of past offences (e.g. they can trace suspicious online bookings) they may well wish to include those in any settlement, or they may choose to move to prosecution.

So, do nothing now (except start to save up - and don't do it again). Wait for the letter and then come back here for further advice.

Thank you so much for your response . I have bought the pass for month and I will definitely not do this again. Any idea how many days it will take to receive a letter ?

 

[John R]

They will be able to spot short tickets in your booking history, so you should plan for those to be included in any settlement offer.

You also say you travelled without a ticket on occasions. How did you exit the station without a ticket, and if you transferred to the underground at Finsbury Park, did you just tap out at the other end and get charged a maximum fare?

 

[nickme]

They will be able to spot short tickets in your booking history, so you should plan for those to be included in any settlement offer.

You also say you travelled without a ticket on occasions. How did you exit the station without a ticket, and if you transferred to the underground at Finsbury Park, did you just tap out at the other end and get charged a maximum fare?

Thank you John for your response.
Just to be clear, sometimes I bought short tickets to enter and exit at Finsbury Park. But once there, I always tapped in and out properly when using the Underground, so I don’t think there’s any issue with that.

The only concern is with National Rail. I checked my history and realized I’ve done this about 30 times in the past year.

 

[alholmes]

Until yesterday an anytime day single from Stevenage to Finsbury Park was £17.40, so you’re looking at £522 for 30 trips, or £1,044 if it’s 30 return trips. In any settlement they don’t usually offer a discount for railcards or off peak tickets, and ignore any short fare paid. Additionally there’ll be an admin fee, typically around £150.

All you can do at the moment is wait until they contact you. Then come back here for advice before you reply to them. And start saving.

 

[nickme]

Until yesterday an anytime day single from Stevenage to Finsbury Park was £17.40, so you’re looking at £522 for 30 trips, or £1,044 if it’s 30 return trips. In any settlement they don’t usually offer a discount for railcards or off peak tickets, and ignore any short fare paid. Additionally there’ll be an admin fee, typically around £150.

All you can do at the moment is wait until they contact you. Then come back here for advice before you reply to them. And start saving.

Thank you alholmes, but I am really scared and in stress. Not sure if it’s good idea to send apologies email to Thameslink now.

 

[Haywain]

Not sure if it’s good idea to send apologies email to Thameslink now.

It is not a good idea, wait until you receive a letter from them.

 

[Titfield]

Thank you alholmes, but I am really scared and in stress. Not sure if it’s good idea to send apologies email to Thameslink now.

No not a good idea as you may admit to more than they subsequently ask you about.

Be patient though i know this can be difficult.

 

[Hadders]

Welcome to the forum!

Stevenage is my local station and I'm very aware of some of the things people get up to to avoid paying their fares. Firstly, do not contact the train company ahead of them writing to you. This is because:

1. You don't know what they are going to ask you in their letter
2. Customer services will not be able to assist and the prosecutions office won't speak to you about the case anyway
3. There is a risk you will incriminate yourself when you don't need to

What happens next is that Govia Thameslink Railway will write to you in the next few weeks. The letter will say they have received a report and are considering prosecuting you but asking for your version of events before they decide how to proceed. GTR are entitled to send the case to the Magistrates Court if they want to but they are normally prepared to offer an out of court settlement to people who co-operate with their investigation and who haven't come to their attention before.

I suggest a short, concise reply to their letter than mentions:

- That you are sorry for what has happened
- What you have learned from the incident
- That you are keen to settle the matter without the need for court action
- Offer to pay the outstanding fare and the train company's administrative costs in dealing with the matter

If you are offered an out of court settlement expect to have to pay the cost of the fare avoided at the full Anytime rate, with no credit given for the invalid tickets you did purchase. In addition they will charge an admin fee, typically around £150. Be aware that GTR will likely audit your online ticket purchasing history and if this indicates that you have short fared before then they will probably want to factor the cost of these journeys into the settlement cost.

Paying an out of court settlement might feel like paying a fine but technically it isn't - only a court can impose a fine as a punishment upon conviction. You won't have a criminal record if you pay a settlement.

When it arrives, post a redacted copt of GTR's letter in this thread along with your draft reply and forum members will proof read it for you.

 

[nickme]

Thank you so much Hadders. I will wait for GTR’s letter

 

[nickme]

it’s been 20 days and I haven’t received any update or letter from train company. I am really stressed now. Could anyone please let me know how many days it will usually take to receive the letter ?

 

[Cuthbert]

it’s been 20 days and I haven’t received any update or letter from train company. I am really stressed now. Could anyone please let me know how many days it will usually take to receive the letter ?

It can take several weeks to a month or two.
They might have a load of cases to go through.

 

[nickme]

Thanks

 

[nickme]

Hello Everyone, I have received the letter from train company and looking for help to draft email. I really want to avoid any magistrate or criminal record .Attached is the copy of letter. Any assistance is greatly appreciated. I have drafted the response..

I am writing in response to the notice of Intention to Prosecute letter dated on xxxxxx

Firstly, I would like to apologize to Govia
Thameslink Railway for any trouble my actions may have caused, and I am grateful for the opportunity to respond.

On xxxxxx, I understand that I was found travelling with an invalid ticket by a Revenue Protection Officer, and I fully accept responsibility for this. I acknowledge that my actions were wrong and may have caused inconvenience or loss to the rail service

This incident has been a serious wake-up call for me. I now fully understand the wider implications of fare evasion on the rail network and the importance of following to the rules. Since this event, I always purchase the correct ticket before boarding any train, and I can assure you this will not happen again.

I deeply regret my actions and the distress this situation has caused. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to respond and would respectfully request the chance to resolve this matter without court proceedings. I am willing to pay any administrative costs or penalty fares deemed appropriate to settle the case.

Thank you for considering my apology and request. I assure you of my commitment to responsible and lawful travel in the future.

 

[FatContr0ller]

You left your name on the letter.
Please be aware that as the same way you came asking for help, TOC staff also look on here.
I suggest you remove, edit and repost.

 

[nickme]

thank you so much. I missed that

 

[flashberry43]

First, I must stress that playing ball with the TOC (Train Operating Company) will likely mean a conviction is mute - so long as you pay their administrative costs.

Can I ask, what is your profession that could become in jeopardy with a conviction? I work in teaching, and can assure you events as you describe would not affect your job (so long as you disclose it and offer a 'frank' but wholesome explanation).

Try not to worry!

 

[nickme]

I am working in back office operation on contracts. If this in my DBS, then companies won’t hire me.. after this incident, I am buying correct ticket and scanning every time..

 

[flashberry43]

I am working in back office operation on contracts. If this in my DBS, then companies won’t hire me.. after this incident, I am buying correct ticket and scanning every time..

I really wouldn't be so sure on that. I've worked with colleagues- and know of people who did really stupid sh!t back in their younger day - now in jobs like you in HR and even regulated by the FCA.

I myself did something stupid when I was 18 and now hold visas for both the US and Australia for something much worse! Being open and honest is a sure fire way it gets resolved how you want.

It really is a minor offence - that with your cooperation won't even amount to one pending admin fees - your employers would struggle to dismiss you for something as trivial as this*.

*I say this, they absolutely could if the contract allows - but a single conviction for the incorrect ticket on a train which is what it'll boil down to isn't the Brinks Mat.

It'll be okay!

 

[nickme]

I really wouldn't be so sure on that. I've worked with colleagues- and know of people who did really stupid sh!t back in their younger day - now in jobs like you in HR and even regulated by the FCA.

I myself did something stupid when I was 18 and now hold visas for both the US and Australia for something much worse! Being open and honest is a sure fire way it gets resolved how you want.

It really is a minor offence - that with your cooperation won't even amount to one pending admin fees - your employers would struggle to dismiss you for something as trivial as this*.

*I say this, they absolutely could if the contract allows - but a single conviction for the incorrect ticket on a train which is what it'll boil down to isn't the Brinks Mat.

It'll be okay!

Thank you so much.. really appreciate your support.

 

[WesternLancer]

Hello Everyone, I have received the letter from train company and looking for help to draft email. I really want to avoid any magistrate or criminal record .Attached is the copy of letter. Any assistance is greatly appreciated. I have drafted the response..

I am writing in response to the notice of Intention to Prosecute letter dated on xxxxxx

Firstly, I would like to apologize to Govia
Thameslink Railway for any trouble my actions may have caused, and I am grateful for the opportunity to respond.

On xxxxxx, I understand that I was found travelling with an invalid ticket by a Revenue Protection Officer, and I fully accept responsibility for this. I acknowledge that my actions were wrong and may have caused inconvenience or loss to the rail service

This incident has been a serious wake-up call for me. I now fully understand the wider implications of fare evasion on the rail network and the importance of following to the rules. Since this event, I always purchase the correct ticket before boarding any train, and I can assure you this will not happen again.

I deeply regret my actions and the distress this situation has caused. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to respond and would respectfully request the chance to resolve this matter without court proceedings. I am willing to pay any administrative costs or penalty fares deemed appropriate to settle the case.

Thank you for considering my apology and request. I assure you of my commitment to responsible and lawful travel in the future.

Draft looks pretty good.
Small point but
I wouldn’t offer to pay any penalty fare. Instead offer to ‘ pay any fare owed along with the costs of dealing with this matter’

 

[nickme]

Draft looks pretty good.
Small point but
I wouldn’t offer to pay any penalty fare. Instead offer to ‘ pay any fare owed along with the costs of dealing with this matter’

Thank you so much.. but, before I finalize the letter, I’d like to be honest about what actually happened that day. I'm unsure whether this is a good idea to add in the final letter.
1. I purchased a short-distance fare ticket that day and scanned it to enter the station.
2. I purchased the ticket just before the officer checked, but he noticed it was bought moments ago. In panic, I claimed I had entered through the lift.

Or I can say in my letter-I was in hurry and bought the ticket after boarding train.
Or I can keep my letter as it is ??

 

[WesternLancer]

Thank you so much.. but, before I finalize the letter, I’d like to be honest about what actually happened that day. I'm unsure whether this is a good idea to add in the final letter.
1. I purchased a short-distance fare ticket that day and scanned it to enter the station.
2. I purchased the ticket just before the officer checked, but he noticed it was bought moments ago. In panic, I claimed I had entered through the lift.

Or I can say in my letter-I was in hurry and bought the ticket after boarding train.
Or I can keep my letter as it is ??

Keep your letter as it is would be my view.

They already basically know 1 and 2 and the third option you mention would be a lie and that risks things not going your way if they work that out. By not mentioning any of this you avoid these issues without any lies.

 

[nickme]

Keep your letter as it is would be my view.

They already basically know 1 and 2 and the third option you mention would be a lie and that risks things not going your way if they work that out. By not mentioning any of this you avoid these issues without any lies.

Thanks WesternLancer

 

[Jantra]

I maybe new to this forum, but if you post photos of the letters the TOC sends out, then why couldn't one of the Fraud Investigators also read this (or other) thread(s) and gain far more information than is being disclosed in the apology/explanation letters?
i.e. you are incriminated yourself online here! I would at least change some of the details such as the exact stations or exact dates.

 

[Hadders]

I maybe new to this forum, but if you post photos of the letters the TOC sends out, then why couldn't one of the Fraud Investigators also read this (or other) thread(s) and gain far more information than is being disclosed in the apology/explanation letters?
i.e. you are incriminated yourself online here! I would at least change some of the details such as the exact stations or exact dates.

This is why we ask that redacted copies are posted.

 

[nickme]

Apologies. I m new and not sure what information I could share in this form. I know now it’s late but I have removed all the letter copies

 

[Haywain]

then why couldn't one of the Fraud Investigators also read this (or other) thread(s) and gain far more information than is being disclosed in the apology/explanation letters?

Some do read this forum, and we have seen a case where it was specifically referred to. However, in the case the poster was not being honest with us and was told so by the train company in no uncertain terms. However, we very rarely see a downside to providing details here as most people have already incriminated themselves by their words or actions when they have been stopped.

 

[Blinkbonny]

The letters all tend to be fairly generic anyway, especially in their first instance.
They must send them out by the hundred.