I have to say that this kind of scenario sits very uncomfortably with me. I'm all for enforcement of the byelaws but as the other side of the deal, the railway as a whole should make it a lot easier to buy a ticket in the first place! There is no doubt in my mind that the OP here was not deliberately seeking to evade her fare, and has merely got caught up in the net so to speak, by an injudicious use of words when inerviewed.
I do wonder whether the OP should consider trying to contact the head of the Prosecution department by telephone, putting her case as she has here and in a way throwing herself on the mercy of Northern. Offer to pay the 80 quid if it's absolutely necessary, but at the same time explaining why she's reluctant to do so, and pointing out the lack of ticket facilities and the human nature thing of when being unfamiliar with something, seeking out another person to solve the problem. You'd still have to pay the fare owed though of course, if Northern were agreeable! It may work, it may not - and if it doesn't, well 80 quid is a lot better than what it could be.
LucyHelen - whatever you decide - I wish you well.
I do wonder whether the OP should consider trying to contact the head of the Prosecution department by telephone, putting her case as she has here and in a way throwing herself on the mercy of Northern. Offer to pay the 80 quid if it's absolutely necessary, but at the same time explaining why she's reluctant to do so, and pointing out the lack of ticket facilities and the human nature thing of when being unfamiliar with something, seeking out another person to solve the problem. You'd still have to pay the fare owed though of course, if Northern were agreeable! It may work, it may not - and if it doesn't, well 80 quid is a lot better than what it could be.
LucyHelen - whatever you decide - I wish you well.