Thanks. The only thing is that I didn't buy the ticket form the self-service machine. I bought in online, and used the reference number given to me by the website to get the ticket at the station. I honestly didn't choose any rail cards to use, that's why I didn't feel guilty when the situation occurred. Anyway, I'm going to follow your advice, apologise to them for the lack of knowledge and ask to pay administrative costs and the fare. Hopefully it will go through.

Hi all, I'm seeking for some advice on getting a First Capital Connect prosecution letter. I was travelling from Hendon (London) to Brighton this month, and bought a ticket online. I had it with me on the train when the inspector came and checked it. It appeared that my ticket wasn't valid because it had to be with a Network Railway card which I didn't choose or maybe chose accidentally when buying a ticket online. The officer said that I can't travel with this ticket unless I have the card with me. I said I wasn't aware that I had to have a Network Railway card, and I didn't choose it when buying the ticket. He offered me to buy a ticket to Brighton for 46 pounds one way. I asked him if I can get off at Kings Cross and pay for the ticket to Kings Cross instead of Brighton and find out why the situation happened. He refused and said I had to buy the ticket to Brighton of him. I didn't buy a ticket off him at that time and he took all my details saying that I'd receive a fine and can argue it if I don't agree with it. Now I received a notice to prosecute letter saying that they will take the case to the Magistrates court with several punishments measures including a criminal record. The case is I don't want to get a criminal record , as I'll lose my job, and a fine of 1000 pounds looks a bit too big to me and I can't afford it. Please, can anyone advice me on what to do in this situation? Thanks.