A PASSENGER who failed to pay a £5.50 train fare has been hit with a £460 court bill.

Akeem Oajuwon, of Conway Close, Knutsford, failed to produce a valid ticket or promise to pay notice when asked by an inspector on October 12, last year.

The 42-year-old was travelling on Northern Trains between Hale and Knutsford, Manchester Magistrates Court was told on March 1.

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Ticket purchasing facilities are available at Hale railway station and the machine was in working order on the day in question.

Oajuwon was issued with a penalty fare notice for £100, reduced to £50 plus the single fare, if paid within 21 days.

Payment or appeal must be made within 21 days and full instructions of where to send payment or appeal are clearly printed on the notice.

Two reminder letters were sent as no payment or appeal was received after two further requests.

No response was received and the £5.50 fare remains unpaid.

After listening to the evidence magistrates found the case proved.

Oajuwon was fined £220 and ordered to pay £150 costs, £88 victim surcharge and £5.50 compensation.

The defendant was given until April 12 to pay the £463.50 court penalty.