Misusing family members 60+ oyster

[caloc2100xe]

Hi all,

I'm seeking some advice as I've recently been caught using a family members 60+ oyster card. Firstly I want highlight how irresponsible and stupid the decision I've made is and want to mention how truly sorry I am for avoiding fares.

I've received a letter in the post asking me to provide a statement along with a plea of guilty or not guilty.

I don't wish to drag this out and waste anyone time, but would obviously like this to resolved OOC as a criminal record would have dramatic impact on future jobs and travel. I have previously worked within the NHS and financial services so if I was to re-enter any those industries I imagine a conviction would have a negative impact on my career. I am pleading guilty to the offence.

I am a law abiding citizen and have no other history of criminality but have clearly made a poor decision on this occasion to evade a fare. 

I do have a clear history of paying for TfL journeys through my debit card which I could provide as evidence alongside my initial response, is that recommended? 

The family member whos card I have used has no idea that I had used the card and I'm concerned about them losing their card permanently, does anyone know what is likely to happen in this instance?

I've also haven't mention this to them as they do currently have some medical issues which may flare up if they're made aware of the seriousness of the situation I'm currently in.

Does anyone know how long this process can take and any other useful advice.

Thanks for taking the time to read my post, any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

 

 

[honeybee13]

Hello, welcome to CAG.

Have you had any other correspondence from TfL about this? Normally you would expect to have a letter asking for your version of events before they start talking about pleading guilty or not guilty.

Best, HB

[dx100uk]

and how many times of what length of time have you used it please?

if TfL were to look could they see a clear patterns of daily use?

if the card was taken, i believe you can apply (pretending? to be her , for a replacement.)

dx

 

[caloc2100xe]

Hi HB,

I've only received one letter asking me to reply within 10 days asking me to provide details of either me; denying committing offence and explaining why any available evidence. Or accept committing the offence including any relevant evidence as to why TfL should not prosecute.

dx I've used it randomly over the course of 2 months, not regularly and I don't believe any pattern of usage. 

Thanks both for taking the time to reply.

 

 

[honeybee13]

OK, thank you.

If you tell us what you plan to write, we'll help you to refine it. I think it would be helpful for us to see the letter to be sure what it is, could you post it up as a pdf with your personal details redacted please?

HB

[dx100uk]

thats good there is no pattern

so treat this as a one off ...they will/do already.

lots of example letters here just read a good few threads 

you should be lucky in either getting an OOC or even just a warning letter.

dx

 

[caloc2100xe]

Please find attach the letter I received in the post. 

 

Here's a first draft I've prepared.
 

Dear Sir/Madam

Firstly I would like to apologise to TfL for the impact of my actions have caused. I am aware that TfL services are already strained and that the service you deliver is only able to function if everybody using the service pay their fares. I am ashamed of what I’ve done and feel guilty for breaching the public’s trust. I’m fully aware of the seriousness of what I’ve done and the potential consequences.

Although my actions are completely inexcusable, I’ve been feeling pressure of the rising cost of living. My family are reliant on me to pay all the household bills and all most other daily expenses which have become increasingly difficult to manage in the current economic climate. I have no history of previous criminality and have provided evidence of my journey history and payment which show consistent and regular payment to TfL for my journeys.  

I would therefore appreciate it if you would consider settling this matter out of court. A criminal conviction would have a detrimental impact on my career and finances. I have over the course of the last 2/3 years worked for the NHS, as well and financial services industry which both require enhanced DBS checks which would compromise my future employment opportunities. I have also experienced redundancy twice in the last couple of years which has been tremendously stressful as I have had difficulty finding employment and believe a criminal conviction would further seriously damage my future employability.

I feel a tremendous amount of guilt for my actions and have been mentally and emotionally been struggling to cope with what I’ve done. I would like to reassure you that this will never happen again and that I’ve learnt from my mistake. I’m truly sorry and remorseful for my actions. I hope this matter can be resolved out of court and any fines will be paid immediately. 

Kind regards,

TfL Letter.pdf

[dx100uk]

its also useful to you that you were caught on a saturday not a working day.

letter looks fine to me

see where they go.

 

[caloc2100xe]

Thank dx.

In terms of this process, once I send the response what can I expect to happen?

Will a judgment on whether to proceed to prosecute or whether to settle OOC after this initial response. Also if I was to be prosecuted would I need to go to court?

I'm aware they have up to 6 months to respond.

[dx100uk]

you need to read lots of like threads ,,,,best way to ans everything you'll ask or wonder.

either you'll  hear nothing further (they have 6mts)

or you might get a letter poss offering you ooc or a warning letter resolution or asking for more info

or 

you'll get a SJP court letter whereby you can plead guilty or not guilty and or not attend to court to express remorse pers on the day to the judge. (doesnt cost you any money and is our recommend action as you might be able to get OOC directly on the day before the hearing)

let us know

dx