Written by John Kruse, one of the leading experts on Bailiff Law, this consumer friendly guide is essential reading for anyone who comes into contact with a bailiff.
The book is easy to understand and clearly explains the rights
a bailiff has, and also what they cannot do when collecting debts and repossessing goods etc.
I was caught with my friend's freedom pass at a zone 1 station. I did use it a few times to avoid the fare when getting out in zone 4 because the monthly oyster I had that time was for zone 1-3.
When I was caught, I did have the valid oyster card with me and did present it to the ticket inspector, who took both for evidence. I kept telling him that it was just a mistake cos i did have a valid ticket.
Now I received the letter from the prosecutions department saying that they taking me to court. I have found out that it's because they value the freedom pass at 5000 GBP!!!
I am sh*t scared of being prosecuted&on court, I would lose my job and I am already on a low income, single, renting a cheap room in a shared house, etc....
Anybody knows what are my prospects regarding the case???? I cant eat since&cant sleep....
I've seen on this that LTS are quite hard when it comes to fare evasion (even if it is unintentional), but it rarely if ever goes as far as prison. The most that you're likely to get is a fine and a slap on the wrists.
Just be honest about what happened. They can't punish you for that.
You wont go to prison full stop.
You will probably get a couple of hundred pounds fine + costs.
You must tell the magistrates your personal circumstances, then they will fine you according to your means.
Freedom Pass abuse is a huge problem which is not helped by those in councils who give them to friends + family, as far as im concerned those that abuse this privilege should be dealt with harshly.
You are not facing a jail sentence if your explanation is the only offence that you have committed in this case.
You will face a charge of intending to avoid a fare and if you were also questioed about the other journeys you made 'a few times', then there may be additional matters alleged to be taken into account.
The maximum penalty for a first offence will usually be a fine, which can be a maximum of £1000, but will usually be around £350 if you do not send any response to the Summons. You may also be ordered to pay costs and the fare that was avoided.
If you respond to the summons truthfully, plead guilty with an apology, send evidence of your financial status and a completed means form, the Magistrates will take all of this into account and reduce the penalty accordingly when deciding on any fine.
You will then be able to enter into an agreement with the fines officer to pay by instalments that are realistic and manageable.
I had been let off with just a simple warning, not even a fine to pay, I consider myself very very lucky!
I did make a real effort when I wrote them my letter explaining how the incident took place, I was working on it for the best part of 3 days but it was all worth it. I gathered together all the facts from my financial status, income reduced and not having a job for 2 months and so on, so took up some time but I am glad now that I did bother.
Also had been warned that they will keep this incident on file so if anything happens in the future, i'll be busted big times.
Caught With Freedom Pass... Facing Jail????
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Originally Posted by katapigeon
