Hi, I know there are many threads on this but i havnt noticed any which explain the adjourned hearing process
Background
I had a return ticket which i payed for at approx 1pm on the 22nd March, i missed my last train home and had to wait until 5:30am to get the first train home the next day.
I was half asleep and didnt even think about my ticket not being valid.
When i arrived at my station the ticket wouldnt go thorough and i had my details taken (i had no means to pay there and then)
...Thern 6 weeks later i rec'vd a court summons.
I proceded to contact FCC 3 times to pay the fare and informed them that i had indeed purchased a return ticket so was therefore not trying to avoid fare completely.
they wouldnt settle and continued with the court.
I sent a mitigating letter explaining the above in a bit more detail but also claimed Guilty as it was true my ticket was indeed invalid.
Update
Today, i recieved a letter from the court saying the case has been adjourned until next month for out of court settlement or sentencing!!!
What does this mean?? I assumed it would have been settled on the first date and i would receive my fine.
Im now pooping myself.
Im a single mother and a student nurse, a criminal conviction is the last thing i need at the moment.
I have again contacted FCC stating the letter recieved and begging them again to settle out of court but im not expecting they will.
Questions
1.Anyone had similar or know what might happen??
2. Do people get sentenced?
3. Should i attend? Im worried about attending as i hate things like this and would rather not but not sure if i have to. It requests me to attend but also says that if they dont hear from me or i dont attend then the case can proceed against me in my absence.
Thanks for your advice in advance (sorry about spellings)