A PASSENGER who failed to pay a £4 train fare has been hit with a £400 court bill.

James Gomath, of Saltersbrook Grove, Wilmslow, failed to produce a valid ticket or promise to pay notice when asked by an inspector on June 15, last year.

The 20-year-old was travelling between Stockport and Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester Magistrates Court was told on January 20.

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Ticket purchasing facilities were available at Stockport Railway Station and the machine was in working order on the day in question.

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

Payment or 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 £4.60 fare remains unpaid.

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

Gomath was fined £220 and ordered to pay £150 costs, £44 victim surcharge and £4.60 compensation.

The defendant was given until February 17 to pay the £418.60 court bill.