Single Justice Procedure Notice - Help

[wooden_bench]

Hi,

I have just received a single justice procedure notice for not having a valid ticket travelling into Gatwick Airport back in November. I had just recently moved to the UK and did not fully understand the different types of tickets/railcards etc. I purchased a 26-30 ticket, believing I was eligible as I am in that age bracket. I did not know at the time what a railcard was.

The fare evaded on the SJPN is £23.50, though I have proof that the ticket I purchased at the time was £23.60. I am not sure how that makes sense. In the statement of facts it says "the defedndent failed to produce a ticket showing that their fare was paid". Does the fact that I paid more than the fare aid my defence? I am worried about the prospects of a criminal offence and would like some advice on what my next steps should be.

Thanks

 

[Hadders]

Welcome to the forum!

I assume you're dealing with Govia Thameslink Railway. If so it is extremely unusual for the first contact to be a SJPN, they would normaly send an initial letter saying that they have received a report and asking for your comments before they decide how to proceed. Did you receive this letter? What did you send in response?

Can you upload redacted copies of all the paperwork relating to this case so forum members are able to give the best advice.

 

[wooden_bench]

Thanks for the response. The company is greater anglia. I have just now seen under the letter is a settlement offer, offering to pay instead of going to court. I am thankful for this but I still feel that the charge is unjustified. I will upload the paperwork tomorrow morning when I get everything in order. What do you feel I should do? Thanks

 

[AlterEgo]

Thanks for the response. The company is greater anglia. I have just now seen under the letter is a settlement offer, offering to pay instead of going to court. I am thankful for this but I still feel that the charge is unjustified. I will upload the paperwork tomorrow morning when I get everything in order. What do you feel I should do? Thanks

Are you sure it was Gatwick and not Stansted? Greater Anglia don’t serve Gatwick.

You should however pay the settlement to avoid prosecution. You’re almost certainly guilty of the offence (no intent need be proven) and have not mentioned any defence to it.

 

[WesternLancer]

Thanks for the response. The company is greater anglia. I have just now seen under the letter is a settlement offer, offering to pay instead of going to court. I am thankful for this but I still feel that the charge is unjustified. I will upload the paperwork tomorrow morning when I get everything in order. What do you feel I should do? Thanks

What you should do probably depends on exactly what’s in the paperwork. So will be good to have the chance to look at that when you can share it.

Do remove any personal details and ref numbers from each page you post.

 

[John R]

Thanks for the response. The company is greater anglia. I have just now seen under the letter is a settlement offer, offering to pay instead of going to court. I am thankful for this but I still feel that the charge is unjustified. I will upload the paperwork tomorrow morning when I get everything in order. What do you feel I should do? Thanks

It sounds as though you bought a ticket with a railcard discount without having the railcard? In other words, you paid less than you should have done and so didn’t have a valid ticket. So why do you think it is unjust that they are now pursuing you?

If you have been offered a settlement instead of them prosecuting you, (which would inevitably result in you being found guilty and having a fine and a criminal conviction), then I would certainly pay it, at which point the matter is concluded.