caught using 11-15 oyster on bus

[hs31]

im asking on behalf of a friend who is 19 years old and was caught using a 11-15 oyster on the bus

they have used it multiple times over the past 2 months but were caught when approached by the officer,

she told the truth about her age when asked,

she received a letter today and we we're looking for any advice on trying to settle this out of court,

i have read a few threads on the matter and wanted to see whether our response to the letter is sufficient

the letter we have come up with is: 

 

To whom it may concern, 

 

Regarding the offence committed on Thursday 31st August 2023 I accept to committing the offence. 

 

On the day the offence was committed , i was not at home and had to return home to help my mother who has just had a craniotomy surgery. At the time, I did not have my personal oyster or enough money for the bus fare to get back home and saw this as my only option in order to get back home. 

 

I did not intend to use this as a way to escape the bus fare and acted in a panic.

I understand that this is a serious offence and acknowledge that my reasons are not excuses for the offence i’ve committed therefore i apologise for any inconvenience this has caused and I am willing to pay for the bus fare and any additional fines I may have to pay. 

 

I would be grateful if this could be sorted outside the court room as i am a second year university student and a criminal prosecution would negatively affect my studies and my career path as i intend to work the medical field. 

 

I am also currently in a bad financial position as i’ve needed to move jobs due to the distance and the recent cost of living crisis in order to provide for my family as my father is retired and my mother isn’t able to work because of her recent surgery. I’ve really struggled to balance work and my studies. Furthermore, payments and loans for uni has been negatively affecting my mental health. Therefore, having a criminal record could affect not just me but my family as well as I have a role in providing for my 3 younger siblings who are still young and in school. 

 

Again, I understand there aren’t any excuses for my actions and I take full responsibility for the offence. I understand the severity of this offence and will never do it again. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to plead my case. 

 

I would also prefer to be contacted via email through this address as i have recently moved houses and there have been recurring issues with posts to my home and would like to address any issues in a timely manner. However if this is not possible, i understand. 

 

Thank you. 

[dx100uk]

would there be a pattern of travel going back the 2 mts that TfL could see?

if so, that letter is not really doing you any favours as it relates to a one off moment of xxxx that cant have happened every day for 2mts. 

needs reworking if this is the case.

 

[honeybee13]

Hi.

Can you scan up a pdf of the letter please? Remove name, address, etc.

HB

[BazzaS]

agree with dx.

if they look back they’ll see it wasn’t a one off decision. Additionally: if it was a one off decision that day : how come you had the 11-15 oyster already?

 

You / your friend don’t have to tell them it has been for 2 months if they haven’t asked. That doesn’t mean it would be good to get caught in an obvious lie that this was a spur of the moment error.