SWT court summons, what to do next? - ** SETTLED **

[firstclassx]

If you are summonsed for the two offences mentioned earlier, obviously it does result in a criminal record with the two convictions listed.

 

A disclosure (Criminal Records) check (which employers can request) would list these convictions as:

 

RW89005

Travelling beyond distance for which rail fare paid

 

RW89006

Giving false name and address

 

That is the terminology used on Disclosure certificates, word for word, so employers may be a bit more understanding than you expect.

 

Realistically, I'd say you're probably looking at a fine of £350-£400, £100 costs, plus the rail fare, so around £500.

 

If they've read your letter and told you that they are still proceeding, and you've chosen NOT to attend court, then there's not very much you can do!

 

You could attend court in person, and arrive a few hours before the hearing was scheduled and try and find the SWT prosecutor, and see if he will negotiate a settlement with you, but you'd have to take hard cash with you, so if he does agree, you can make immediate payment.

 

That is pretty much your only option!

 

The "false name/address" thing is the fatal element!

 

In the event other legislation is used, combinations of the below codes will appear on the CRB:

 

RL05044

Enter compulsory ticket area without a ticket - Railway byelaw

 

RL05045

Board a train without a valid ticket - Railway byelaw

 

RL05046

Fail/refuse to hand over a valid ticket - Railway byelaw

 

RL05047

Occupy reserved seat/berth without a valid ticket - Railway byelaw

 

RL05048

Alter a ticket with intent to defraud - Railway byelaw

 

RL05049

Use an altered ticket with intent to defraud - Railway byelaw

 

RL05050

Buy/sell ticket from unauthorised source - Railway byelaw

 

RL05051

Transfer/receive a used/partly used ticket - Railway byelaw

 

RL05052

Use ticket obtained from unauthorised person/machine - Railway byelaw

 

RL05053

Sell ticket as an unauthorised person - Railway byelaw

 

RL05054

Purchase ticket with incorrect fare for use by another - Railway byelaw

 

RL05055

Produce/transfer ticket with incorrect fare - Railway byelaw

 

RL45002

Refuse to quit railway carriage at destination

 

RW89004

Travelling without paying rail fare

 

RW89005

Travelling beyond distance for which rail fare paid

 

RW89006

Giving false name and address

 

RW89007

Attempting to travel without paying rail fare

 

RW89008

Failing to show ticket and failing to pay fare and failing to provide name and address

 

[firstclassx]

Hi

Thanks for your help again

 

I would like to ask how much money i should take with me on the day?

 

I believe it was mentioned this could total around £500, should i withdraw this amount to take with me?

 

Thanks

 

£500 should be enough.

 

Remember, it won't guarantee that he will accept it!

 

You also have to be careful not to "negotiate" too much, if you go in with too low an offer he may well just walk away! But you also don't just want to hand over £500, if he'll accept £300, if you understand?

 

You basically need to hand over as much as you can afford, whilst considering if it is worthwhile handing over that amount to avoid a conviction. You'll get one shot at it so if you can't really afford to lose £500, don't offer it!