Thanks for the reply. Im being charged under section 5)3)c) as I stupidly gave a false name and address in frustration before giving my real one. Does this mean I'll have a criminal record then? Will I still be able to settle out of court if I'm not being charged under a bylaw?

I have received a letter from South West Trains Prosecuting Office saying they are reviewing my case and I have 14 days to provide any mitigating circumstances. "My Case" is being on a train without a ticket due to the machine not working. I didn't buy one at the interchange and so although not happy about it, I am willing to accept that I am guilty. However, in the heat of the moment I stupidly gave a fake name and address purely out of frustration with what was happening as at the time I didn't really think it was my fault (although now I know that I was wrong). I imagine that I will be prosecuted under Section 5,3,c) but what is the likely punishment? My concern comes over whether I will have a criminal record at the end of this? I can deal with a fine but really don't want to have criminal record. Is a criminal record standard or is it likely I will only be issued a fine? I have no legal experience and so am a bit clueless on these issues. Thanks for any help!

Hi wriggler7, Sorry to bring this up again but I have received a letter from South West Trains Prosecuting Office saying they are reviewing my case and I have 14 days to provide any mitigating circumstances. "My Case" is being on a train without a ticket due to the machine not working. I didn't buy one at the interchange and so although not happy about it, I am willing to accept that I am guilty. My concern comes over whether I will have a criminal record at the end of this i.e. what is the full extent of the prosecution? I can deal with a fine but really don't want to have criminal record. Is a criminal record standard or is it likely I will only be issued a fine? Thanks, vb44

Hi Old-CodJA, Sorry to bring this up again after all these years but I have received a letter from South West Trains Prosecuting Office saying they are reviewing my case and I have 14 days to provide any mitigating circumstances. "My Case" is being on a train without a ticket due to the machine not being working. I didn't buy one at the interchange and so although not happy about it, I am willing to accept that I am guilty. My concern comes over whether I will have a criminal record at the end of this i.e. what is the full extent of the prosecution? I can deal with a fine but really don't want to have criminal record. Thanks, vb44