Good morning Forum members.
Hope everything is well.
I ended up with an unpleasant situation last week Friday - I was caught by using my father-in-law's Freedom Pass on TFL network.
I was cooperating with the officer as much as I could and said that I have borrowed his Freedom pass, as father is not feeling well this week. And was using it from Monday till I got caught on Friday. The issue is, that in the journey history, TFL will see similar journeys made by my father in law, as he is helping me out at work. So they will not believe that the previous journeys are made by him. At this point, will they check CCTV? My father in law travelling back to Ukraine next week due to health conditions, which may complicate the case.
Two days ago I have received the letter (attached) to give them an answer in 10 days.
Obviously, I have committed a crime and ready to take responsibility for it. I am willing to pay the penalty and hoping to avoid court, but reading through the forum, avoiding court is highly unlikely.
In my case, would it be smarter to get legal advice or reply by myself with the following:
"Dear Sir/Madam,
I hope this email finds you well.
I am writing to you in a matter of the case ABC123.
I am truly sorry that I have caused this issue by borrowing my father in law's card, now I realize how huge this mistake was. I did not have bad intentions or to cause any harm to anyone.
I fully understand now that I have broken the law and I would be more than happy to pay all the journeys I have made with the card between Monday, 15th April and Friday, 19th April and pay the penalty for the issue I have created. I sincerely beg you not to escalate this case to a court matter, as this would very badly affect my financial situation within our family (especially my 3 y.o. child), as my income is about 70% of the family income. Therefore this would be a catastrophe if I lose my job because of a criminal offense on my file. I trust you will have understanding of the situation and make the right decision.
I can fully assure you I will never use anyone else's travel card or any means of travel except my own.
Looking forward hearing from you.
Best regards,
Name Surname"
Thank you in advance for the advises.
Hope everything is well.
I ended up with an unpleasant situation last week Friday - I was caught by using my father-in-law's Freedom Pass on TFL network.
I was cooperating with the officer as much as I could and said that I have borrowed his Freedom pass, as father is not feeling well this week. And was using it from Monday till I got caught on Friday. The issue is, that in the journey history, TFL will see similar journeys made by my father in law, as he is helping me out at work. So they will not believe that the previous journeys are made by him. At this point, will they check CCTV? My father in law travelling back to Ukraine next week due to health conditions, which may complicate the case.
Two days ago I have received the letter (attached) to give them an answer in 10 days.
Obviously, I have committed a crime and ready to take responsibility for it. I am willing to pay the penalty and hoping to avoid court, but reading through the forum, avoiding court is highly unlikely.
In my case, would it be smarter to get legal advice or reply by myself with the following:
"Dear Sir/Madam,
I hope this email finds you well.
I am writing to you in a matter of the case ABC123.
I am truly sorry that I have caused this issue by borrowing my father in law's card, now I realize how huge this mistake was. I did not have bad intentions or to cause any harm to anyone.
I fully understand now that I have broken the law and I would be more than happy to pay all the journeys I have made with the card between Monday, 15th April and Friday, 19th April and pay the penalty for the issue I have created. I sincerely beg you not to escalate this case to a court matter, as this would very badly affect my financial situation within our family (especially my 3 y.o. child), as my income is about 70% of the family income. Therefore this would be a catastrophe if I lose my job because of a criminal offense on my file. I trust you will have understanding of the situation and make the right decision.
I can fully assure you I will never use anyone else's travel card or any means of travel except my own.
Looking forward hearing from you.
Best regards,
Name Surname"
Thank you in advance for the advises.
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