A passenger has been hit with a £461 court bill after refusing to pay for a journey from Hale station.
Bshar Ahmab, of Warrington Road in Mere, failed to produce a valid ticket or pay a fine when confronted by an inspector on March 29th 2023.
The man, 27, was travelling on a Northern Trains service between Hale and Altrincham, Bolton Magistrates Court was told, and the ticket machine had been working at Hale station.
Ahmab was issued with a notice of a £100 penalty, reduced to £50 plus the cost of the single fare if paid within 21 days.
Despite two reminder letters, no payment or response was received and the £3 fare remains unpaid.
Magistrates found the case proved and fined Ahmab £220 plus £150 costs, £88 victim surcharge and £3 compensation.
He has until September 27th to pay the full £461 bill.
