letter of prosecution, what do i reply with?

[froggie3337]

Earlier this year i was caught buying a child’s ticket, it was wrong but i couldn’t afford an adult ticket, i told him i was 16 which i know was wrong but i thought it would get me out of trouble bc at the time i couldn’t even afford food, i have been met with this and im confused about how ive done 5 things wrong, i was on the right train and i had bought a ticket (a child’s one but i didn’t bump the train). i dont know what to reply.

 

[AlterEgo]

From the sticky at the top of the forum:

• We need to know all relevant facts in order to assist you, including, for example:
  • The stations* where you actually started & finished your journey
  • The stations* where you changed trains (if applicable);
  • If you presented a ticket(s), the information* stated under "Ticket type", "From", "To", "Route", and any other relevant details;
  • Details of any Railcard(s) held;
  • When and where ticket(s) were purchased, including whether this was prior to the journey commencing;
  • What happened in any encounter with railway staff;
  • Upload copies of any paperwork (with personal details redacted) with your post.
• We need to know what outcome(s) you would consider satisfactory

 

[Haywain]

You were caught using a child ticket, and therefore committed one of the offences listed. Whether you committed any other offences isn't of any consequence as you can be prosecuted for one of them and will be found guilty if that happens. As you want to avoid that you will need to respond to the email you have received and ask for an out of court settlement.

 

[Fawkes Cat]

Earlier this year i was caught buying a child’s ticket, it was wrong but i couldn’t afford an adult ticket, i told him i was 16 which i know was wrong but i thought it would get me out of trouble bc at the time i couldn’t even afford food, i have been met with this and im confused about how ive done 5 things wrong, i was on the right train and i had bought a ticket (a child’s one but i didn’t bump the train). i dont know what to reply.

Just to add that the email isn't accusing you of doing all those things - if you read it again it says that they think you have done one or more of them.

Essentially the railway has a standard email they send to everyone they catch. They've put what they know about you at the beginning, and you need to read the rest and decide if it applies to you.

 

[froggie3337]

From the sticky at the top of the forum:

• We need to know all relevant facts in order to assist you, including, for example:
  • The stations* where you actually started & finished your journey
  • The stations* where you changed trains (if applicable);
  • If you presented a ticket(s), the information* stated under "Ticket type", "From", "To", "Route", and any other relevant details;
  • Details of any Railcard(s) held;
  • When and where ticket(s) were purchased, including whether this was prior to the journey commencing;
  • What happened in any encounter with railway staff;
  • Upload copies of any paperwork (with personal details redacted) with your post.
• We need to know what outcome(s) you would consider satisfactory

i bought my ticket from stoke on trent to manchester, for the train i was on a week in advance, i don’t think anything occurred with the train person. it seemed reasonable but i cried so idk- i only have the fine thing they gave me at first

Just to add that the email isn't accusing you of doing all those things - if you read it again it says that they think you have done one or more of them.

Essentially the railway has a standard email they send to everyone they catch. They've put what they know about you at the beginning, and you need to read the rest and decide if it applies to you.

i’m not sure which one does apply to me

 

[nonethewiser]

i bought my ticket from stoke on trent to manchester, for the train i was on a week in advance, i don’t think anything occurred with the train person. it seemed reasonable but i cried so idk- i only have the fine thing they gave me at first


i’m not sure which one does apply to me

In terms of which one applies to you, if you bought a child's ticket without the correct railcard it would be the first offence of Travel on a railway without paying the correct fare contrary to section 5(3)(a) of the regulation of railways act. In any case as far as your concerned you should address the fact you paid for the incorrect fare. I'd leave out any reference to legislation as its up to the train company in regards to what they charge you with based on the available evidence and public interest (railway byelaws vs reg railways) and by referencing a specific offence say regulation of railways I would've thought your just encouraging them to charge you with the more serious charge . I'm sure others will have more in depth advice on how to reply, but as someone else mentioned your essentially asking for an out of court settlement.

The letter needs to be not too wordy (they deal with a lot of cases) nor too little that implies you don't care. the letter needs to come from you but you can post it here before you send with redacted details for others to look at and advise.

 

[30907]

You did originally give false details so that's #4 and #5

I would briefly apologise for doing so - but our experience is that train companies rarely bother about this element, and the issue to address is that you tried to cheat the railway of some money.
Forum member Hadders regularly posts with suggested points to make.

PS please seek help about your general finances if you haven't already.

 

[froggie3337]

In terms of which one applies to you, if you bought a child's ticket without the correct railcard it would be the first offence of Travel on a railway without paying the correct fare contrary to section 5(3)(a) of the regulation of railways act. In any case as far as your concerned you should address the fact you paid for the incorrect fare. I'd leave out any reference to legislation as its up to the train company in regards to what they charge you with based on the available evidence and public interest (railway byelaws vs reg railways) and by referencing a specific offence say regulation of railways I would've thought your just encouraging them to charge you with the more serious charge . I'm sure others will have more in depth advice on how to reply, but as someone else mentioned your essentially asking for an out of court settlement.

The letter needs to be not too wordy (they deal with a lot of cases) nor too little that implies you don't care. the letter needs to come from you but you can post it here before you send with redacted details for others to look at and advise.

Hi! i have a draft of my letter here;
Thank you for your email regarding the incident on 29/01/2025.





I would like to begin by sincerely apologising for my actions. I understand that purchasing a child’s ticket and giving a false date of birth to the inspector was completely wrong, and I deeply regret my behaviour.





At the time, I was under significant personal and financial pressure. I am a full-time student and had recently lost my part-time job, leaving me struggling to afford even basic essentials like food. In a moment of panic and desperation, I made a poor decision to lie about my age in order to travel using a child’s ticket. I know now that this was dishonest and unacceptable, and I take full responsibility.





I never intended to cause harm or avoid paying my fair share — I made a foolish choice that I now deeply regret. I understand the seriousness of this situation and want to make it right.





I would be extremely grateful if you could consider resolving this matter without proceeding to court. I am willing to pay any outstanding fares and associated costs, and I can assure you that nothing like this will ever happen again.





Thank you very much for taking the time to read this and for giving me the opportunity to explain my situation.





Yours sincerely,

 

[Pushpit]

I think that's a reasonable letter. If there is anything more you can say about why you won't repeat this (e.g. using the correct railcard instead) then you should add that in.

 

[Titfield]

I know now that this was dishonest and unacceptable, and I take full responsibility.

I would delete the word "now" as surely you knew this before now.

 

[Hadders]

The letter looks ok to me.

Which train company are you dealing with ? Avanti, CrossCountry or Northern? They will likely offe you an out of court settlement which will cost teh full Anytime fare for the journey you made plus an admin fee, typically £150 so if money is tight think about how you will raise this money as you will need to pay it in full within a few days of it beimng offered.

Also, if they search your ticket purchasing history will they find further purchases of child tickets - if so they will proabably want to factor the cost of those journeys into the settlement amount.