THREE people have been slapped with hefty fines after travelling on the railway between Ilkley and Leeds without paying for a fare.

The prosecutions were brought by Northern who operate the Wharfedale line and the trio were fined by magistrates sitting at Kirklees Magistrates' Court on Monday, February 7.

Elle Pickett, 21, of Leeds Road, Ilkley, travelled between Ilkley and Leeds stations on July 2, 2021, without paying the fare of £5.70.

The court heard that on arrival at Leeds the the defendant requested to purchase a weekly ticket from Ilkley. Questioned as to why the ticket had not been bought prior to travelling the defendant stated that she was unaware her ticket had expired as she thought that today was the 01 July. She went onto advise that she had only realised that it had expired when she had boarded the train. Her details were obtained and she was advised the facts would be reported. Following the incident a letter was sent to the defendant requesting the fare only, as there was no response, a Fixed Penalty Notice was then sent. However this remains unpaid.

The case was found proved and she was fined £220, ordered to pay compensation of £5.70, a surcharge to fund victim services of £34 and costs of £150.

Stuart Renard, 40, of Valley Road, Ilkley, was also charged with travelling on the railway without paying a fare.

The court heard that on Monday, 28 June 2021 between Guiseley and Ilkley station he travelled on the railway without paying the fare of £3.50.

During the journey he was asked by the conductor to produce a valid ticket, which he could not do. Further, the defendant could not pay for the journey he was making. He was issued with an Unpaid Fares Notice in good faith so that he may pay the outstanding fare within 21 days. Full instructions of where to send payment or to dispute liability are clearly printed on the notice. When boarding the train the defendant claimed to have a ticket on his phone but he was unable to produce one. The defendant failed to make payment within the prescribed time period, subsequently a reminder letter was sent to him requesting payment, as no payment was received a final reminder letter was then sent to the defendant. Again he has failed to communicate or to acknowledge this reasonable request, as a result of which the fare remains unpaid.

The case was found proved and he was fined £220, ordered to pay compensation of £3.50, £34 to fund victim services and costs of £150.

John Dunn, 57, of Woodhouse Street, Leeds, was charged with travelling on the railway without paying a fare.

The court heard that on Sunday, 13 June 2021 he travelled between Leeds and Ilkley station without having previously paid the fare of £5.70 and with intent to avoid payment. thereof. During the journey he was asked by the conductor to produce a valid ticket, which he could not do. Further, the defendant could not pay for the journey he was making. He was issued with an Unpaid Fares Notice in good faith so that he may pay the outstanding fare within twenty one days. Full instructions of where to send payment or to dispute liability are clearly printed on the notice. However, the defendant failed to make payment within the prescribed time period, subsequently a reminder letter was sent to him requesting payment, as no payment was received a final reminder letter was then sent to the defendant. Again he has failed to communicate or to acknowledge this reasonable request, as a result of which the fare remains unpaid.

The case was found proved and he was fined £220, compensation of £5.70, £34 to fund victim services and costs of £150.