London Banter - View Single Post

reea · October 18th 08, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reg M

On Thu, 16 Oct 2008 19:15:13 +0100, reea
wrote:

I was caught using someone elses freedom pass in error instead of my own
oyster on London Underground. My details were taken but I wasn't given
an on the spot fine. i have only just recieved a summons. I used the
freedom pass in error, I happend to be carrying it on the day and used
the freedom pass instead of my own oyster card. I have a record on my
oyster card that on the first leg of my journey i used my oyster card -
the revenue inspector was not interested. The statement he has put
together is slightly inaccurate also. I am due in court in 4 weeks and
haven't a clue what to do. I have read many forums and some people are
saying to plead guilty to get a lighter fine. I'm not concerned about
the fine but the criminal record that may be attached to this event. I
also read that it could be an idea to call the prosecution manager and
to and plead an out of court settlement - is this something anyone
would recommend. Is it worth hiring a solicitor or should I represent
myself. It was a genuine error and I do not want to receive a criminal
record because of it. Can someone advise if found guilty and fined that
also means you get a criminal record? Or you can escape a criminal
record with just a fine. I am very muddled and I don't know what to
do, I'm absolutely terrified of what is going to happen. Any answers or
advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

There are a couple of newsgroups, uk.legal.moderated and uk.legal
which may give some advice. I think the suggestion to go to the
Citizens Advice is good. Mistakes happen, just stick to the truth,
don't embellish on it and maybe the court will accept your story.

Thanks reg-m.