A PASSENGER who failed to pay a £6.50 train fare has been hit with a £400 court bill.

Alexandra Vasilica, of Crossfield Road, Handforth, was unable to produce a valid ticket or promise to pay notice when asked by an inspector on November 3 last year.

The 20-year-old was travelling between Handforth and Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester Magistrates Court was told on April 22.

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

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

Payment of an 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 when no payment was received after two further requests.

No response was received and the £6.50 fare remained unpaid.

After listening to the evidence, magistrates found the case proved.

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

The defendant was given until May 20 to pay the £410.50 court bill.