prosecution from govia thameslink

[cheddar]

Hello, full transparency i was caught yesterday with the incorrect ticket for the journey i took, I was travelling from Luton to Farringdon but I was short on money so i’d only bought Luton to Luton Airport Parkway, I did not use a railcard or buy a child ticket, I haven’t used the trains since around december and once in january where I did buy the ticket to luton airport partway again but I did not get caught on these times and a few other times, at Luton station around 5-6pm an inspector asked to see my ticket and scanned it and asked me questions about where I was travelling to and from, initially I told him I was going to Luton Parkway but he told me to just be honest so i’d come forward and admitted I’m travelling to Farringdon, fully complied with giving him my details, but now I feel horrible and stressed because I don’t want this to go to court, I want to pursue a career in healthcare so if this went to court it could have very negative effects for my future, I have definitely learnt my lesson and won’t be doing this again, I’ve had one ticket around 2 years ago when I forgot to renew my 16-17 railcard and it was expired by a few days but I’d already paid that off before and dealt with that issue, is there any way that they will offer me an out of court settlement? I haven’t received my letter yet as this only happened yesterday but is it possible to request them not to pursue this in the magistrates court? I couldn’t sleep properly last night, I’m a complete idiot and I messed up but I 100% will not let it happen again. Any help would be appreciated. I’m willing to be completely honest and tell them I messed up and made a mistake and i feel terrible and ill cooperate with whatever they need, I’d also lose my job if this went to court as they require you to let them know of any convictions you have, could this be resolved out of court? i’d appreciate any help.

shall i draft up a letter pleading to not be taken to court or do i wait till they send me a letter? I’ve called thameslink and asked them for information and if it’ll be taken to court they didn’t take my details or anything just my name and told me it’ll only likely be taken to court if i don’t pay? but i wasn’t asked to pay anything yet so does that mean they will be open to an out of court settlement?

 

[TheJester]

A lot to take in.
First question if they were to examine your booking history, would they find multiple purchases of Luton to Luton Airport parkway tickets?

 

[cheddar]

A lot to take in.
First question if they were to examine your booking history, would they find multiple purchases of Luton to Luton Airport parkway tickets?

yes quite a few

 

[TheJester]

Ok so you can’t do anything until the letter arrives.
They may investigate your journey history and find these short faring incidents.
If you want to keep this out of court they will ask you to pay for all the fares you have avoided plus an admin fee - usually around £150.

Best to work out the cost of the fares you have avoided and start saving up.

 

[Hadders]

GTR 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. The issue is you have come to their attention before so this will make it harder (but probably not impossible) to obtain an out of court settlement.

GTR will write to you in the next few weeks, when the letter arrives post a redacted copy of it in this thread along with your draft reply and we can proof read it for you.

 

[cheddar]

Ok so you can’t do anything until the letter arrives.
They may investigate your journey history and find these short faring incidents.
If you want to keep this out of court they will ask you to pay for all the fares you have avoided plus an admin fee - usually around £150.

Best to work out the cost of the fares you have avoided and start saving up.

ahhh that’s fair if they decide to make me pay for all those fees it’ll be understandable

GTR 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. The issue is you have come to their attention before so this will make it harder (but probably not impossible) to obtain an out of court settlement.

GTR will write to you in the next few weeks, when the letter arrives post a redacted copy of it in this thread along with your draft reply and we can proof read it for you.

do you think it’s likely I can get an out of court settlement if i show them how much i regret what i did in a letter?

 

[Titfield]

ahhh that’s fair if they decide to make me pay for all those fees it’ll be understandable


do you think it’s likely I can get an out of court settlement if i show them how much i regret what i did in a letter?

Yes it is likely they will offer you an out of court settlement providing that you apologise, are contrite and promise not to repeat this behaviour.

 

[cheddar]

Yes it is likely they will offer you an out of court settlement providing that you apologise, are contrite and promise not to repeat this behaviour.

would they offer it straight away or would it most likely be after i write a letter back?

 

[Fawkes Cat]

would they offer it straight away or would it most likely be after i write a letter back?

You'll need to write to them.

The usual process is
- you're caught and reported (this bit has already happened)
- the railway write to you for your side of the story: the letter will probably be headed something like 'Notice of Intended Prosecution' but that's to do with (1) the railway keeping their options open and (2) them making sure youknow that this could be serious
- you write back to them. If your letter is able to convince the railway that you won't fare dodge again, then
- the railway will offer you a chance to settle the matter out of court by paying the train fare that you should have paid, plus the cost of their investigation
- you accept their offer, and pay them.

If everything goes like that, then the matter is over, you don't go to court and you don't get a criminal record. But if the railway don't think that you really mean it when you say that you won't fare dodge again, or if you don't co-operate by writing to them then you can still find yourself in court and having to pay (most likely) more than the out of court settlement would be.

 

[WesternLancer]

would they offer it straight away or would it most likely be after i write a letter back?

Read through this thread to get an idea of what happens and the timescale

Notice of intention to prosecute GTR

Hi all, I am truly ashamed that I had to find my way onto this site. Safe to say I have definitely learned my lesson and will not be making this mistake again in the future. I was travelling on xxxxxxx and did not have a valid ticket as I only purchased the tickets from xxxxxxxx - essentially...

www.railforums.co.uk

You will almost certainly get a letter like the one uploaded in post #11 that you can look at

You will need to reply to that (as per the style of reply drafted in that thread - answering any specific questions if they ask you any)

Then they may choose to offer you an out of court settlement (it is quite likely they will do this in the experience of this forum, if you follow the advice from here)

They will almost certainly not just write to you and offer you a settlement.

In that case linked:

- the OP was stopped on or around 1 Nov 2024
- The OP got the letter from Thameslink on 21 Jan 2025
- The OP replied to that letter around 24 Jan 2025
- The OP was offered an Out of Court settlement and paid it on 12 March

Whole process took just over 4 months

 

[cheddar]

Read through this thread to get an idea of what happens and the timescale

Notice of intention to prosecute GTR

Hi all, I am truly ashamed that I had to find my way onto this site. Safe to say I have definitely learned my lesson and will not be making this mistake again in the future. I was travelling on xxxxxxx and did not have a valid ticket as I only purchased the tickets from xxxxxxxx - essentially...

www.railforums.co.uk

You will almost certainly get a letter like the one uploaded in post #11 that you can look at

You will need to reply to that (as per the style of reply drafted in that thread - answering any specific questions if they ask you any)

Then they may choose to offer you an out of court settlement (it is quite likely they will do this in the experience of this forum, if you follow the advice from here)

They will almost certainly not just write to you and offer you a settlement.

In that case linked:

- the OP was stopped on or around 1 Nov 2024
- The OP got the letter from Thameslink on 21 Jan 2025
- The OP replied to that letter around 24 Jan 2025
- The OP was offered an Out of Court settlement and paid it on 12 March

Whole process took just over 4 months

ahh okay thanks a lot, is it okay if i can write a letter in this thread for someone to review?

 

[notmyrealname]

Of course. Post your draft and people will proofread it for you.

 

[cheddar]

Of course. Post your draft and people will proofread it for you.

do you reckon even if i short fared multiple times before but i replied sincerely in my letter with an apology and guarantee id never do it again, and cooperated with them and said i’d pay for any fees and administrative costs and from then onwards i have bought the correct tickets they could offer me an out of court settlement?

 

[Hadders]

do you reckon even if i short fared multiple times before but i replied sincerely in my letter with an apology and guarantee id never do it again, and cooperated with them and said i’d pay for any fees and administrative costs and from then onwards i have bought the correct tickets they could offer me an out of court settlement?

Yes!

 

[WesternLancer]

do you reckon even if i short fared multiple times before but i replied sincerely in my letter with an apology and guarantee id never do it again, and cooperated with them and said i’d pay for any fees and administrative costs and from then onwards i have bought the correct tickets they could offer me an out of court settlement?

If they did not it would be unusual given the cases we see here.

 

[cheddar]

Yes!

If they did not it would be unusual given the cases we see here.

ah thanks, but i’m just a bit worried because i’ve come to their attention before for a railcard issue which has been paid off as a penalty some time back during my sixth form time, I’ll write back to them as soon as they send their letter, i’m really hoping they don’t prosecute i feel really guilty and won’t be doing this again, i’ve since bought the valid full price tickets for my travel into london, do you think mentioning this alongside my apology, cooperation and willingness to pay for all fees is enough for them to let this matter be settled out of court, i literally can’t sleep properly thinking about this being prosecuted.

 

[minderbinder]

ah thanks, but i’m just a bit worried because i’ve come to their attention before for a railcard issue which has been paid off as a penalty some time back during my sixth form time

There’s a chance that may complicate matters.

What precisely was the railcard issue?
Which train operating company was involved?
Did you pay a penalty fare or an out-of-court settlement?
How long ago did this issue occur?

 

[cheddar]

There’s a chance that may complicate matters.

What precisely was the railcard issue?
Which train operating company was involved?
Did you pay a penalty fare or an out-of-court settlement?
How long ago did this issue occur?

the issue was it was a 16-17 railcard that was expired by a month or so, and i paid a penalty fare, do you think i wont be able to get an out of court settlement for this instance?

the issue was it was a 16-17 railcard that was expired by a month or so, and i paid a penalty fare, do you think i wont be able to get an out of court settlement for this instance?

also this occurred in summer 2023 around then

 

[minderbinder]

the issue was it was a 16-17 railcard that was expired by a month or so, and i paid a penalty fare, do you think i wont be able to get an out of court settlement for this instance?

Okay, I believe that will be fine. It sounds like that was an honest mistake and was viewed as such at the time. It shouldn’t affect this situation.

 

[cheddar]

Okay, I believe that will be fine. It sounds like that was an honest mistake and was viewed as such at the time. It shouldn’t affect this situation.

do you reckon a well written letter would be enough to convince them i won’t do it again and if they’ll offer me the out of court settlement? i’ll upload my draft soon and id be very grateful if you guys checked it over and let me know what i can improve on it

 

[styles]

do you reckon a well written letter would be enough to convince them i won’t do it again and if they’ll offer me the out of court settlement? i’ll upload my draft soon and id be very grateful if you guys checked it over and let me know what i can improve on it

Yes that's basically what we're all saying - we can't offer any guarantees that you'll get an out of court settlement, but if you apologise, are sincere, promise not to repeat the fare evasion, there's a very good chance GTR will agree to an out of court settlement.

 

[cheddar]

hi guys i still haven’t gotten a letter yet shall i email or call them?

 

[AlterEgo]

Don’t do anything. Don’t remind them of your offending, it isn’t in your interests.

It can take several weeks to hear from them in any case.

 

[cheddar]

I just got my letter from them, i’ll be sending a draft of my response, any help will be greatly appreciated.

Hi guys, please let me know if there’s anything I should fix with this letter Id appreciate any help. I’ve attached it below:

Dear Fare Evasion Manager,



I am writing in response to your letter dated on the (date), Reference number: XXXXXXXXXXXXX regarding the incident on the (date) at Luton station.



Firstly, I would like to sincerely apologise for my actions, I fully acknowledge the seriousness of fare evasion and deeply regret my behaviour, I now fully understand the impact fare evasion has on the rail industry and other passengers. I understand what I did was wrong, not only on the date in question but also on some other occasions. There is no excuse for my behaviour and I take responsibility for not paying the correct fare.



At the time, I made a very poor decision, and I now recognise the seriousness and consequences of my actions. I fully understand that fare evasions causes significant losses to the railway network and affects the system that many honest passengers rely on daily.



This has truly been a wake up call for me, I deeply regret my actions and I ensure you that this will never happen again. I have learned from this experience and have now ensured that all of my tickets are valid for the journey that I have travelled, and I will continue to ensure that I pay the full fare for every journey I have travelled since.



I respectfully ask if you would consider solving this matter without court action, I am willing to fully cooperate and pay any costs, administrative charges, and compensation required so that we may be able to solve this matter privately. I have learned from my mistake and I would be incredibly grateful for the opportunity to resolve this matter without formal prosecution.



Thank you for taking the time to read this letter, I hope you will consider my request for an out of court settlement, I am willing to take whatever steps are necessary to make this right.



Yours sincerely,



Name

 

[Titfield]

With all due respect it is somewhat repetitive.

I have highlighted some areas of repetition, struck through some unnecessary wording and made a suggested change.

I just got my letter from them, i’ll be sending a draft of my response, any help will be greatly appreciated.

Hi guys, please let me know if there’s anything I should fix with this letter Id appreciate any help. I’ve attached it below:

Dear Fare Evasion Manager,



I am writing in response to your letter dated on the (date), Reference number: XXXXXXXXXXXXX regarding the incident on the (date) at Luton station.



Firstly, I would like to sincerely apologise for my actions, I fully acknowledge the seriousness of fare evasion and deeply regret my behaviour, I now fully understand the impact fare evasion has on the rail industry and other passengers. I understand what I did was wrong, not only on the date in question but also on some other occasions. There is no excuse for my behaviour and I take responsibility for not paying the correct fare.



At the time, I made a very poor decision, and I now recognise the seriousness and consequences of my actions. I fully understand that fare evasions causes significant losses to the railway network and affects the system that many honest passengers rely on daily.



This has truly been a wake up call for me, I deeply regret my actions and I ensure you that this will never happen again. I have learned from this experience and have now ensured that all of my tickets are valid for the journey that I have travelled, and I will continue to ensure that I pay the full fare for every journey I have travelled since.



I respectfully ask if you would consider solving this matter without court action, I am willing to fully cooperate and pay any costs, administrative charges, and compensation required so that we may be able to solve this matter privately. Please be assured I have learned from my mistake and I would be incredibly grateful for the opportunity to resolve this matter without formal prosecution.



Thank you for taking the time to read this letter, I hope you will consider my request for an out of court settlement, I am willing to take whatever steps are necessary to make this right.



Yours sincerely,



Name

 

[Skimpot flyer]

With all due respect it is somewhat repetitive.

I have highlighted some areas of repetition, struck through some unnecessary wording and made a suggested change.

I would add that the correct word to use, when promising not to repeat the offences, is assure.
Buying the correct tickets ensures that you are not committing fare evasion

 

[Fred78]

Hi Cheddar,

How did this go for you?

I'm in a a similar boast myself and would love to hear how they responded to your letter?

Hi Titfield

How did this go for you?

I'm in a a similar boast myself and would love to hear how they responded to your letter?

 

[Hadders]

Hi Cheddar,

How did this go for you?

I'm in a a similar boast myself and would love to hear how they responded to your letter?

Hi Titfield

How did this go for you?

I'm in a a similar boast myself and would love to hear how they responded to your letter?

Please can you start your own thread if you need our assistance and we will be happy to help.

We only discuss one case in each thread to avoid confusion and because experience has taught us that no two cases are ever quite the same, however similar they might appear to be at first.