Thanks SRPO. So do I contact the Prosecutions Unit of the rail company directly to try and settle out of court?? So how does it work in terms of a criminal record?

Hi All, Just to update you all, I received a Court Summons yesterday, being accused of, 'entering a train in a non-compulsory ticket area for the purpose of travelling on the Railway without a valid ticket entitling travel'. Thet are claiming for £2.10 (fare) £100 (towards prosecution costs) plus fine. Previously I sent a statement outlining my version of events, where I included an oyster statement proving I had sufficient funds on my 'broken' oyster card to cover my fare. I am almost certain they have not even considered this. I am now extremely anxious about the outcome of this saga, which seems to have escalated out of all control. I am a school teacher so obviously any criminal record would be extremely detrimental to my career. Any advice to best deal with this situation would be hugely appreciated.... Thanks

Thanks OC, invaluable advice. Shall inform you of the outcome...

Thanks OC. I have just discovered that my Oyster Card in question had credit of £1.91 and the fare between Ed Green to Stamford Hill is £1.80. So I did have funds to pay for the fare. I think the inspector believed I was using the card as an exscuse to travel, as he thought I had no funds on it. The card is also registered under my name I have proof that my Oyster Card was working in the morning as I took a bus, so therefore i can prove that it snaped on the day of the incident. I was totally unaware as to whether I had touched in successfully or not, as I was rushing to get the train on the platform.......

here here 2ltr16valve!

Thanks for the advice SRPO. I thought these forums were designed to give advice to those in need...

No I did not get given a penalty fare. So should I send the letter to National Express of Ircas? Who actually deals with the case? Do you think I will be given a court summons or would it be more likely a fine, if so how much£££? Lots of questions I know, but I am very anxious about this as my career may depend on this, as it seems, minor offense.

Oh, by the way, if you are cautioned by an inspector should you recieve written notice at the scene?? Also I am planning on writing, with regards to the facts of the incident, with a cheque for £20 penalty fare and £2.10 for the journey (apologies). Do you think this would be a good idea?? It is not so much a complaint, but a written report stating the incident and the behaviour of the inspector. Also does anybody know the address to send the letter too? I was on a national express route on the North East London line. Thanks for your help.

Exactly Stigy, he initially asked for the £20, which I said I did not have. He then went onto question me straight away and in no time at all he was reading me my rights! I was so shocked! He also did not give me an option of paying by bank card, which I did have but never thought of using (stressed and taken aback by the situation). I also offered to withdraw money from the local ATM, which he plainly refused. This is why I am confused, I thought if you do not have the funds up front, you have the opportunity to pay within 21 days??? This was the first time I have very been stopped without a valid ticket on public transport and I was naive as to the whole procedure. A very unpleasant and aggressive procedure it was and still is....

Thanks for replying Old-Codja. I used my card in the morning on the bus and it did still have some credit on it. So it wasn't as if I had been using the card as an exscuse for a long period of time. When I got to Edmonton Green I was unsure whether it had worked or not. But because my car was being towed within 30min, I was in such a rush to get there, I did not think properly as to whether I had touched in. I said all this to the inspector, but he was so aggressive and looking to lead me down the guilty pathway. Even one of the police who were present asked me if I was ok. I have never once before had any previous with fare dodging, does this make a difference? Or any other criminal record for that matter. I would like to write a letter of complaint about the inspector, but would you advise to wait for a letter from the company? How long does this letter generally take? I never take the train, as I have a car, guess I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. I am a school teacher so I am naturally very worried as to the outcome of this saga, as a criminal record would be disasterous for me. Thanks again

Hi All, Today I was cautioned by a ticket inspecter (think Ircas) at Stamford Hill Station. I was travelling from Edmonton Green to Stamford Hill (10 min journey?. I had used my oyster card on the bus in the morning, but unfortunately I snapped it by accident during the day. When returning home from work using the train, I attempted to touch in at Edmonton Green, but was not sure if it had worked (as card was broken). But I was in a massive rush as my car had broken down and was going to get towed. So I thought I would get on the train. When I arrived at Stamford Hill St there was a large group of ticket inspectors and transport police. I handed the broken card to the inspector, he could not read anything off it as it was broken and therefore in his eyes it was invalid. I was using pay-as-you-go and had about £2 on the card. The inspector asked if I had £20 to pay and I didn't, I also didn't think to pay by debit card (he didn't offer either). The inspector then went onto interrogate me and basically accused me of lying, using the broken card as an excuse. He cautioned me (read me rights) took all my details and a statement. Told me the rail company would write to me. I feel that I am in trouble as a penalty fare was not issued and does this therefore mean I will get a court summons?? However I offerred to go to the cash point withdraw £20 and return (police officer could have escorted me!) I am a teacher and I am extremely worried about this.... Any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you