Hi all - thanks again for your helpful comments. I've actually thought this matter through some more, and have considered employing a solicitor to handle this for me, so worried I am about this leading to a criminal conviction. I've actually contacted one already just to get some initial advice. I don't doubt that a solicitor would be much better than me at knowing the law and responding accordingly. However, I would like to ask the forum: in their experience, can hiring a solicitor make things worse? Could it look like the response of someone who is guilty? The solicitor himself said no, quite the opposite, and that it would deter the train company from wanting to go to court themselves. But he would say that I suppose. What are you thoughts? thanks

Hello - this is to Hayo, but anyone on the thread, I was wondering what the outcome of this was, if we know at all? Would be grateful to find out. thanks

thanks all. When, in a few weeks time, I get the opportunity to draft a full response, I may share it on this board if that's okay.

thanks Old-CodJA. Is it still worth, though, apologizing for the mistake made / for not checking the zones more carefully? i.e. "i had no intention of avoiding liability to pay for my fare, and I sincerely apologise for the mistake made and would be fully prepared to pay both the original fine plus any costs incurred?" I suppose I want to admit some fault so as not to appear arrogant or challenging, but like you say don't want to give the impression I was intentionally trying to get away with it

thanks Rebel

thanks John - I'm sure you're right of course. Just to clarify, there was no abusiveness or threats or anything like that - just general annoyance and anger. But I'll take your advice. Could it work in my favour to get that response in early, i.e. write to them before the letter? or is it much more sensible to wait their response?

thanks John, appreciate the reply although not very reassuring...it just seems crazy that something so innocuous as a £20 fine could escalate so quickly into court proceedings/hundreds of pounds in fines/possible criminal proceedings. I suppose my main bone of contention is that I was perfectly willing to pay the £20 fine and just wasn't given a decent opportunity to do so at the time...

Hello, I was recently stopped by ticket inspectors for inadvertently travelling one zone beyond that which my monthly travelcard covered. I was stopped and told about the fine; when I tried to explain it was an accident, the inspector walked me over to his more senior colleague, who immediately started taking down my details. I soon realised the second inspector wasn’t interested in hearing my side (which, naively, is what I first thought was happening) but instead started to write me up and take down details, and reading me a caution. I asked several times why this was happening (was ignored), and I then offered – again several times – to pay the on the spot fine, sensing whatever was going to happen was going to be more trouble than it was worth. I produced my bank card to show I had means to pay. I was also accused of giving a false address just because the inspector couldn’t find me on whatever system he was accessing – which I soon disproved by showing a tax bill addressed to me, which he accepted. The whole exchange got quite heated, primarily because the inspector was refusing to accept payment for the on the spot fine, and also accusing me of trying to give false details, which was never the case. From what I can tell from initial research, it’s completely up to the discretion of the First Capital Connect’s prosecution department whether or not to accept an appeal, accept payment/admin costs, or just take the whole thing straight to court. I’m perfectly willing to accept I’m in the wrong and need to pay something; but I was wondering if anyone had any advice on the likelihood of this being taken further – i.e. to court – straight away. I’ve never fare dodged before in 15 years of commuting, this was an honest mistake, and I tried very hard to pay the fine after the initial conversation, but the inspector seemed very intent on taking it further. Any advice? thanks