Thanks guys for the advice. I'll simply have to wait and see what sort of notification I get in the new year and hope that there is potential for acceptance of a letter of apology and financial offer.

Hi Andy - thanks for the prompt response. The inspector didn't take my Oyster card - he was still filling out the form when my stop arrived. When we arrived at my stop, he urged me to leave. I haven't any similar patterns on my Oyster card - this is very much a first offence (and I've only been living in the UK for just over a year).

Hello folks, I'm looking for advice on the following problem. I was caught on Monday (Dec 17) travelling from Zones 3 - 4 with an Oyster card only valid for Zones 1 - 2. When confronted by the inspector, I panicked and gave the wrong house number; however, I rectified this once the inspector checked the validity of the address given (he insisted I had been trying to evade further communication and included this within his notes). I work as a private tutor (and was late for an appointment hence the initial fare avoidance) and am extremely fearful that this will scupper my future work. My question is twofold: 1 - I'm now away from London until January 3rd - is it possible that any intention to prosecute will arrive within this timeframe? 2 - Having perused similar threads, it seems the likelihood of court prosecution is strong in this instance; is a groveling letter of apology my only likelihood of respite? Thanking you in advance, Tima