Caught using relatives 60+ pass,

[MichaelWolf]

Hello,

I am trying to get help with an OOC in my case, I've read up a few posts but I'm still unsure how to proceed.

 

I was caught using the pass on Wednesday, which is the first time I have used it on a Wednesday (I have used it approximately 13 times over the past 3 months on my evening return journey on Thursdays and Fridays).

 

I'm assuming my best course of action would be to grovel for an OOC stating my financial situation and possibly exaggerate some other details.

 

If anyone else has received the same letter could you let me know your outcome.

 

I don't believe they know about the other times yet, when the ticket inspector asked me if I had used it before I said once today on my previous train (If I'm remembering correctly).

 

After they took the card and let me go I proceeded to get on the same train using my own card.

 

Thanks, M.

tfl.pdf

[dx100uk]

simply reply with a grovelling letter via email like the ones you'll see in many threads here.

 

dont tell them anything they dont already know.

i very much doubt they'll tie up you other journeys.

 

going by recent single mis use issues here

you should get OOC and poss a warning letter and a sum to pay.

 

if you wish , inc evidence of use of your own card before/after.

[MichaelWolf]

Here is the draft I have, should I also add a screenshot of the tfl charge from my bank account for that day?

 

Dear TFL, 

I am writing to request an out of court settlement for the offense of using a relative’s Oyster card. 

 

I understand that I have committed an offense and that I am liable to the fines imposed by TFL.

 

I take full responsibility for my actions and I would like to avoid the consequences of a court hearing, which would include a criminal record that could have a detrimental effect on my future.

 

I would like to emphasize the fact that when I was stopped by the inspector, I immediately produced my relatives oyster card then proceeded to use my own when I was let go by the inspector and used it to get on the train, I would also like to state that I used my own card to get on the train that morning. 

 

I am sincerely apologetic for my mistake and humbly request that you consider my request for an out of court settlement. 

 

I am hoping that we can reach an agreement where I am liable for the time and money spent on my case along with the fines imposed, and I am sure that it is in public interest to avoid a lengthy court process.

 

I wish to apologise to the member of staff concerned, TFL, and to the public for the extra administration work that my actions have caused. 

 

Henceforth I will take every precaution so that I and others around me do not commit the same offense.

 

Yours sincerely,

Full name.

 

Anything else I should add?

[dx100uk]

id fluff that out a bit and briefly address WHY you had the pass upon yourself.

they dont need excuses not to allow an ooc, but are more interested in why this happened

 

 

 

dx

 

[MichaelWolf]

Do you think I could say something along the lines of the pass and my wallet being next to each other before I left the house in a rush, then while at work I decided to use it to save money on the journey home? Or would I be admitting to to much with this response? If this is a valid reason I would also mention that I was unemployed for 4 months and recently started my job.

[honeybee13]

Hi.

 

Fwiw, I think you should be more apologetic at the beginning of the letter, maybe move some of your later paragraphs up. In being apologetic, you also need to sound as if it isn't just because you were caught.

 

I would also mention steps you have/will take to ensure this never happens again. And I would provide proof of payment as you say.

 

As I see it you need to get them on your side so they feel amenable to helping you.

 

HB

 

 

[BazzaS]

Agree with HB …. It reads as “sorry I got caught” rather than “sorry I offended”.

I’d also not say “am sure that it is in public interest to avoid a lengthy court process”, as it is in the public interest to deter fare evasion, and the prosecution team already have to decide “is this in the public interest to prosecute” :

a) you don’t want to be seen to be “telling them their job”, while

b) if you were correct they’d never prosecute anyone … so I doubt they’d agree you were correct.

 

As for “the pass and my wallet being next to each other before I left the house in a rush” : I bet they’ve not heard that one before, (at least not in the preceding ten minutes!!)

What wallet was the pass in? You really don’t want to get caught in a lie: if they are wavering on if to prosecute or not, suspecting you are lying would make them more likely to prosecute!

 

When in a hole, stop digging.

Edited March 15, 2023 by BazzaS

[MichaelWolf]

If there is anywhere I can be more apologetic in the letter please let me know.

 

Dear TFL, 

 

First and foremost I wish to apologise to the member of staff concerned, TFL, and to the public for the time and administration work that my actions have caused. I am extremely regretful of my mistake and I have been having restless nights since the offence. 

 

I am pleading for an out of court settlement for the offence of using a relative’s 60+ Oyster card. 

I had the card in my possession due to sharing a bag which we use for work. When I got to the office, I stupidly decided to use it, attempting to save money since I’m currently helping my family with the monthly mortgage and bills.

 

After having time to reflect on my actions I realise that there is not a single benefit to them, since by evading the fare that money comes out of other people's pockets who may also be struggling financially, and when a case similar to mine happens almost daily, it adds up to a lot. 

 

I understand that I have committed an offense and that I am liable to the fines imposed by TFL. I take full responsibility for my actions and I’m pleading to avoid the consequences of a court hearing, which could include a criminal record that will have a detrimental effect on my future. 

 

I once again wish to express my remorse for attempting to violate a public service which has helped me out on many occasions. I am truly sorry, there is no valid excuse for my actions.

 

I would like to emphasize the fact that when I was stopped by the inspector, I immediately produced my relatives oyster card then proceeded to use my own when I was let go by the inspector and used it to get on the train, I would also like to state that I used my own card to get on the train that morning.  (I don't know if this paragraph is useful)

 

I am hoping that we can reach an agreement where I am liable for the time and money spent on my case along with the fines imposed, so that I may put this behind me as a one off event so that I may continue to help my family.

 

Henceforth I will take every precaution so that I and others around me do not commit the same offense and that you may grant me some leniency in this case since this is the first time I have committed an offence with any public or private body. 

 

Yours faithfully,

Full name

 

 

I will also attach a screenshot of the bank statement where there is a charge for tfl on that day, and my recent DBS check to backup the last line.

 

Thank you all.

 

 

 

[dx100uk]

and?

 

dx

[MichaelWolf]

Still Nothing, no email, letter, or anyone on my door thankfully.

[dx100uk]

well you certainly wont have anyone at your door....what made you think that?

 

they have 6mts .

 

dx

 

[MichaelWolf]

Finally got the letter for a 'REQUESITION to attend x's court'.

They are stating that I have to turn up to court to answer the following charge:

    That on the date of the offense I entered an area without a valid ticket (I believe they are only stating the one use in that part)

Then under the statement of facts they say there is a regular pattern of use and an additional 70 journeys had been taken in the prior 2 months. The wording here makes me think they have a pattern but not all 70 journeys follow that pattern.

I looked through all the journeys and it looks like I have only committed ~14 of them. (I have strong evidence that I did not do some of these, but for others they would have to check cctv)

I am guessing that if I plead guilty to the offense it would be pleading guilty to the single use or would it imply I am pleading guilty to all 70?

If you could help outline all the options I have.

I will scan the pages and upload them here later today.

Thanks.

[dx100uk]

scan it up.

are these TIC? with a sep sig for Each?

 

[MichaelWolf]

Here is the scan, yes it is separate signatures for each offense they stated.

I have highlighted in red the offenses I may have committed and the days in green I was out of the country.

My first idea would be to write to them asking for a settlement and ask to pay the full value.

I don't know whether to argue and say that some of these can not be me, but I know not to explicitly say what I have committed.

Thanks.

 

 

[dx100uk]

can you prove by say - passports stamps, bank statements , or any other written material the dates you say you were out of the country?

 

dx

 

[MichaelWolf]

Yes, passport stamps.

I'm thinking about saying that those specific dates could not be me, and then say I'm willing to pay the full price of the all the fares as a way to close the case quickly.

I'm worried that this might come of as a bit aggressive, saying that I'm willing to fight for the other stuff in front of a judge.

Thanks.

[dx100uk]

god no way will it, it's why its going before a mag and not just the SJP court

you've months before court.

id be assembling as much evidence as possible and inc that in a new OOC begging email to TfL. 

how many dates could you ultimately prove it could not have been you?

as if its lots, then how can they say the others were too even under the same pattern....

 

 

[MichaelWolf]

I'll try and get data from my gym , which should have date and time on entry, I would guess around 40-50 of them I have solid evidence for being not me.

Could you also remove the pdf I uploaded since it has my personal information showing, I don't know how it formatted like that and I will re-upload it better.

Thanks.

Edited June 19, 2023 by MichaelWolf

[MichaelWolf]

I've re-uploaded the pdf, the order is reversed.

To disprove most of these I am able to get receipts from a store near my gym and entry and exit times from the gym, I also have trips I've made at different locations at the same time of the trips mentioned, I am able to get the exact time I used my card for those trains.

Just to clarify, after looking around elsewhere the 2 laws I have been accused of breaking are bylaws and won't show up on a DBS check (unless it's enhanced). Is this correct?

jpg2pdf.pdf

[dx100uk]

not necessarily, they are criminal charges and if you are found guilty by the judge will show on enhanced, but sometimes the judge will say it wont be recorded on their register.

but thats not anywhere near reality of whats going to happen and not your focus for now.

you need to gather all your evidence disproving each TIC you can.

then get a new begging letter off by email to TfL.

wanting an OOC , and offering the cost of each fare you cant prove was not you + any admins fees etc.

 

[MichaelWolf]

Should I send a begging letter to TFL, or could I email the TFL solicitor incharge of the case, or possibly send both separate letters?

Thanks.

[dx100uk]

use the TfL email on their 1st letter, the one you sent he 1st begging letter too.

dx