Hi, I hope you can help. I boarded a local train to New Street without a ticket as the Blake Street ticket office was busy and the train was just arriving. There was no opportunity to buy a ticket on the train. When I arrived at New Street I alighted right by the lifts so used them to save time and avoid the crush on the stairs. When I got out of the lift there were two 'revenue protection staff' who asked for my ticket. I said that I did not have one and would like to buy one. They asked me where i was travelling from, if i had ID and means to buy a ticket etc. I did not have ID but said I wanted to buy a ticket. They said it was too late to buy one (i noticed that they had no ticket machines anyway). I produced a ten pound note and asked to buy a ticket but they said, and i quote, "We do not want your money." I asked if they would issue a penalty fare and they said "You are going to have a day in court". When I pointed out I would have been sold one at any other exit they gave the same reply about a day in court and implied use of the lifts was proof of evasion. They took my details, 'cautioned' me and took down a 'statement' in a notebook. Whenever I asked a question they threatened to get the transport police as i was not 'co-operating'. At all times i was calm and polite and i never attempted to leave. He would not let me read the 'caution' myself so i do not know if what he said was accurate. He would not let me read the 'statement' so i do not know if what he read out was what he had recorded. I signed it out of fear for him calling the transport police. I was not given a copy of my statement. I was not given any indication whatsoever about what would happen next. I believe that i am guilty of travelling without a ticket, but not guilty of fare evasion as i attempted to buy one at new street as many people do every day. I believe that I should have been sold a ticket or given a penalty fare and do not understand why I am due 'a day in court'. I am in the process of going through a divorce, suffering from financial difficulties and mental health problems. I am very stressed about going to court and getting a massive fine. What will happen next and what can I do to minimise the stress and cost what has happened? Thanks

I left my season ticket behind one day and was stopped and issued with a penalty fare ticket. I was told if I produce my ticket I wouldn't have to pay the fine. He didn't mention I had 21 days to do so and I sent it in late. Revenue Protection then refused my appeal and fined me £60. I wrote saying it was unfair and now they've sent me a summons to court! Given that I had paid the fare so am not avoiding paying for my travel it seems grossly unfair. Less like revenue protection and more like extortion. Any ideas? Should I go to court? Or is that madness?