Hi thanks for your reply, It would not let me buy a ticket as it was delayed and should have already departed, appreciate your response !
Also, do you think I’m best to not include the part where I didn’t show the inspector the right ticket by accident, or do you think this would confuse the reader too much. I’ve tried to keep it as simple as I could, as I was thinking the person will probably be reading a lot of these a day and just want the basic details and apology etc.
cheers, this is the draft I have with improvements, I've also added a bit on the end about my change in address. Another point, is it worth me mentioning the fact I've had a previous penalty fare on this route, or is it best I just say nothing and hope they overlook this.
No I did not, I don’t believe I did anyway, what would classify as abusive language? He was wearing a body cam yes. But when I allegedly called him this, he was walking away so wouldn’t be on that anyway - if I had said it. I said something like s**t when he was walking away but not directed at him, and barely audible. I think he’s obviously just heard me say something and decided it was that.
I don't think the prosecution would be going ahead without a review of the body cam footage, but then I cannot be sure.
Depending on the Body Worn they can pick up a lot of audio around them. Was he alone? He might have been with others and they might have also recorded something.
Yes I’ve received a statement of facts and witness statement, will post now.
Is that the whole truth, or is the version of events in the witness statement true? Namely that you did not have a ticket, moved past the inspector, and then bought the ticket in front of him?
Northern do usually settle but they appear to have taken the view here that your behaviour warrants prosecution. You didn't have a ticket, bought one when challenged, and were allegedly abusive to the staff.
My response to northern when asked for my explanation is above in this thread. I had bought a ticket before I tried to buy one in front of the ticket officer, I just panicked and accidentally showed him my ticket for the train after then tried to buy another one. I didn’t want to over complicate my response the first time so just tried to keep it short and apologetic, but clearly they didn’t like it.
Just to add as well, I really don’t think I was abusive to him, I don’t think mumbling under your breath something he evidently couldn’t even hear can be classed as abusive?
Well he might have to testify, but the point is you have two charges here. Even if Northern sigh and drop the abusive language charge, you also have to convince them to drop the ticketing charge. What is the charge relating to the ticketing matter?
I attached the charge sheet above, I think it’s section 18(1) and 24 of the railway byelaws
If you are studying for a law degree and aim to work in that profession it may well be that the risk to your future earnings from being prosecuted now, could mean engaging a solicitor to help you with this might be a price worth paying (ie paying their legal fees)
penmansedgwick.com
Ok so you're definitely guilty of 18 (1) so if you let this go to court you will be convicted of at least this offence. You could either engage the services of a solicitor now, or you could try writing to Northern again.
There is little harm that can be done by sending a new email which shows contrition for your behaviour and isn't full of what might be seen to be weak excuses. As you admit using bad language as you walked away, you should apologise for that too - without specifying what was said.
Obv it's your call - but if you opt to get a solicitor involved do not leave that until the last minute as you have a hard deadline to respond to the court papers. If the solicitor has less time to deal with it I suspect they will charge you more or may have less luck getting a successful outcome for you (but will still need to charge you for their work).
I’ll try and draft an email up now. Would admitting to using bad language as I walked away not just make them more likely to prosecute for both charges though?
Ask yourself honestly if your use of bad language directed at the situation or the person? If the former, then there is nothing wrong with apologising and explaining exactly what you said and telling them you were frustrated at yourself and the situation. They think you swore at them, and you acknowledge you were swearing - there is nothing to be gained by trying to ignore this part of the case.
