In message , pedan3
writes

He asked to see my tickets. I showed him, both outward and return
halves. He asked to see my Freedom Pass. Foolishly, I passed it to
him. He then announced that he was retaining my freedom pass as
evidience in a prosecution for fraudulent travel.

Quite apart from the outrageously heavy-handed approach, I very much
doubt that taking your freedom pass was legal.

Unlike a paid-for ticket, it is not the property of the TOC - it is an
entitlement paid for by the borough in which you live and, physically,
it is the property of TfL, as it says on the pass.

Although you should have paid the penalty fare, I'd kick-up a hell of a
fuss about the way you were dealt with, and about the confiscation of
your freedom pass. The freedom pass helpline (020 7934 9633) may be able
to advise you on the legality of the inspector's action.
--
Paul Terry