TWO passengers have been hit with £400 court bills after failing to buy train tickets for £3 and £6.50.

Kyle Lord, of Lime Walk, Wilmslow, travelled from Stockport to Hazel Grove on May 29, this year, Greater Manchester Magistrates Court heard.

The passenger was unable to produce a valid ticket when an inspector boarded the train, magistrates were told at a hearing on October 29.

At Stockport railway station there are facilities to buy a ticket and they were working when this three mile journey was made, the court was told.

READ > Staff win award for supporting children educated at home

The defendant had failed to purchase a £3 ticket for the three mile trip or obtain a promise to pay notice.

Lord was given a penalty fare notice for £20 or twice the single fare, whichever is greater.

Payment or an appeal must be made within 21 days and the defendant was given instructions where to send the money.

Two reminder letters were sent after no payment or appeal was received, the court heard and the fare remains unpaid.

Lord was fined £220 and ordered to pay £150 costs, £3 compensation and £34 victim surcharge.

The full sum of £407 must be paid by November 26.

Rosie Morris, of Blackden Walk, Wilmslow, failed to produce a valid train ticket for a journey between Handforth and Manchester Piccadilly on May 28, this year.

The 23-year-old was unable to produce a valid ticket when an officer carried out an inspection, magistrates were told.

The defendant had failed to buy a £6 ticket or pick up a promise to pay notice.

At Handforth railway station, passengers can buy a ticket and these facilities were operation on the day the journey was made.

Morris was issued with a penalty fare notice for £20 or twice the single fare, whichever is greater.

After failing to pay within 21 days and not responding to two reminder letters, the case was taken to court.

Morris was fined £220 and ordered to pay £150 costs, £6.50 compensation and £34 victim surcharge.

The £410.50 court bill must be settled by November 26.