A CHESTER man who failed to present a train fare ticket for a one-mile journey has been ordered to pay more than £400.

John Davies, 53, of Tudor Green, failed to produce a ticket for the journey between Deansgate and Manchester Piccadilly train stations, a fare that would normally cost £2.40.

He was found guilty via the single justice procedure at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court on Friday, October 15.

The court noted that Davies had boarded a train at Deansgate on Wednesday, May 12 without a valid ticket or a promise to pay notice, despite there being fully functioning ticket purchasing facilities available at that station.

Having failed to produce a train ticket upon arrival one mile later at Manchester Piccadilly, Davies was handed a Penalty Fare Notice of £20.

The court noted that payment or an appeal must be made within 21 days and full instructions of where to send payment or appeal were printed on the notice.

But as no payment was made, a reminder letter was sent out, followed by a further reminder letter.

The court noted the fare remained unpaid and there had been no communication.

As a result, Davies was fined £220, to pay compensation of the rail fare – £2.40 – and to pay court costs of £150 and a victim surcharge of £34.

The total sum payable was therefore £406.40.