Hi again to all concerned. Sent off my letter with a few further changes last Monday via recorded delivery and received a response on Wednesday from East Midlands Trains requesting a payment of just under seventy pounds (to cover admin fees, penalties etc) to close the case without further action. Needless to day the cheque is going in the post tomorrow. Thank you so much to all those who provided input and advice etc it was very much appreciated and simply being able to discuss it helped my frame of mind considerably. In other ways the whole incident has given me a kick up the back side with my general motivation levels in everyday life, you don't really appreciate what you've got until you think you may lose it all. I only hope my new found enthusiasm for life/work/play will continue long beyond this incident. If one of the site team could update this as resolved that would be great. Thanks

Thanks very much for taking the time to look over the letter. I am glad the letter comes across as you state, I am feeling pretty shocked by all of this and those are genuine feelings regarding the situation. I can only hope the letter is viewed sympathetically. I will print it off and get it sent off quick sharp. Will report back with any further news when I get it. Thanks again for everyones input.

Thanks firstclassx I have removed any reference to not buying a ticket on the train. I didn't mean to impart any blame on the conductor merely wanted to imply that I had intended to buy a ticket on the train. As I didn't and it was my responsibility too it isn't worth mentioning. I have already stated this in my original interview at the station. Bad wording on that section, it was a one way journey but coming "back" home, hence the wording. Now corrected to avoid any confusion. Very useful, thankyou.

Hi old-codJA Thanks for the feedback. I understand all the feedback you gave having made this unintentional error. I know ignorance is no defence (and as such have not mentioned this in my correspondence) but didn't quite realise the gravity of my mistake till after the event. I accept that I am in the wrong on a number of counts and as such have made my apologies in the letter I have attached. I can only hope this is acceptable to the train company.

I have attached a copy of the letter any feedback would be gratefully appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Sorry, for the last question I initially answered "I guess I wouldn't have done"

Hi old-codJA As you have pointed out no charge was specified in the letter. My response to the inspectors questioning was as follows ..... Why didn't you but a ticket at your station of origin ? I was in a rush after a meeting at work and didn't have time to buy one at the station, I intended to buy one on the train instead. Why didn't you but one on the train ? No conductor came around so I didn't have an opportunity too. Were you sat down on the train ? Yes How would you paid for the fare for the journey you've made today ? I guess I wouldn't been able too ? (I then asked to change this answer too) I wouldn't have been able too. Thats about the long and short of it i'm afraid, I didn't really do myself any favors when answering the questions but felt pretty stressed about the whole situation.

Well the letter was waiting for me when I arrived back from work tonight. East Midlands trains are dealing with the incident. It informs me that the matter has been reported to their office and I have typed up the following paragraph. "All the evidence available is being considered as to whether legal proceedings are appropriate. If you consider that there are further mitigating factors that may influence any decision that may be made about this matter you are invited to respond, in writing only, within 14 days of the date of this letter." ...... and finally "Additional correspondence may incur departmental costs." Would anyone be willing to take a look at my response ?? Do people think it's wise to post it on the forum or should I just go with what I have knowing that it covers the main points?? I'm slightly worried about the team at East Midlands Trains viewing the letter online and viewing it as a bit cheeky and insincere seeking guidance on how to phrase the letter and thus harming my chances of settling out of court ?? I realise the chances of this are slim but you never know ?? Ahhhhhh constant worry.

Thanks all. All your advice is very gratefully received so far. It would seem pertinent to wait for the letter before posting any possible reply. Although I have drafted one based on the worst possible scenario in an attempt to feel I am being proactive. I will wait and see what the postman brings and fill you in on the details + post my draft letter for advice as required.

Thanks Bazza Thanks for the further information. I realise that the offence would show up on any enhanced CRB when working in the NHS and as a result this could have a pretty catastrophic effect on my current career. Trying to be pragmatic about it but finding it difficult at the moment, still my own fault. The letter I have drafted includes all the elements you have mentioned and while I did take some guidance from letters posted on here and elsewhere I have tailored it to my particular situation and added + taken away as necessary. I will await the letter and post the act or bylaw stated. If one of the industry experts can spare the time to comment on a draft letter at this point I would be eternally grateful.

Hi RPI Details of journey now posted to honeybee.

Hi guys thanks for the early response Firstclassx - In my letter I have offered to pay the 'fare, penalty and costs' and in truth would be happy to pay whatever to avoid going to court but I have avoided quoting a figure based on previous threads. Thanks for the details regarding possible penalties and future ramifications of my actions. After looking into the matter I had some awareness of these factors hence my level of concern and constant worry. In answer to the other questions The train company was East Coast but the revenue protection officer was from East Midlands trains. The fare avoided was £8.20 I haven't done this before and not had any penalty fares. I was fully co-operative when questioned and have pointed this out in my draft letter. RPI - Have posted you a separate e-mail regarding the exact journey details. Thanks

Hi all Sorry a bit long winded all this. Thanks in advance for taking the time to look at this thread. I'll give you a brief overview of the situation and then just a couple of questions if anyone could advise further that would be great. I was recently stopped at my destination station without a ticket for my journey. I was in a rush for the train that night and as a result did not purchase a ticket before I travelled (there are plenty of ticket machines etc at this station). On the train no ticket conductor came around and it completely slipped my mind to by a ticket. I was stopped as I was leaving my destination station and questioned under caution by a ticket inspector. I gave an honest account of the situation but didn't quite realise the seriousness of the situation at the time. When asked how I intended to pay for my journey at the end of the interview I initially said "i guess I wouldn't have bought one" but then asked that the statement be changed to "I wouldn't have been able too". The inspector said I would receive a letter in 2-3 weeks and I am currently waiting for this letter which I understand will probably propose their intention to convict me in court (almost certainly of fare evasion) and ask me to respond. I am clearly in the wrong here and now fully understand the seriousness of my actions. I work in the NHS and I am really worried about the potential impact this will have on my career if it go's to court. As a result I contacted a solicitor who advised to wait for the initial letter and then respond with a letter apologising for the incident and pointing out my previous good character and the potential damage of any court appearance given my position. Being worried sick I have spent the day trawling the forums for any advice on composing a suitable letter and have one formulated in preparation. One of my main concerns is that the solicitor has advised me not to dwell on the offence only to apologise for it, in the risk that I will further incriminate myself should I decide to defend myself in court. As far as I can tell the letter will ask for my version of events and as such I have detailed them exactly as I described to the ticket officer and described it as an error on my part. I have then gone on to apologise, point out the potential damage of court proceedings and make an offer to cover any penalties + costs involved. I know I am trying to second guess the not very exact science of writing these letters but should I leave out any reference to the event and stick with the apology etc ??? Or should I leave this part in given that it is the information I provided during interview ?? My instinct is that any damage has already been done when giving my initial statement and as such a further explanation of the reasons I had not bought a ticket won't help but won't do me any harm either. I'm guessing the main bit of advice here will be too wait to see what the letter says but I can't stop worrying about this and just want to feel prepared for the worst should it arise. Thanks.