A MAN has been ordered to pay almost £400 after he failed to buy a ticket for a £5.50 fare.

Patrick Kelly of Bradda Road, Blackburn, failed to produce a ticket to officers after he arrived at Preston Station.

Court records show that Kelly boarded the train at Blackburn, where there were working ticket facilities, but failed to pay for his journey.

Upon arrival at Preston he then failed to produce a ticket or a promise to pay notice and so was issued a penalty for either £20 or twice the cost of the fare.

The court documents read: “An appeal was received, however the independent Penalty Service rejected it and payment was requested. As no payment was received a reminder letter was sent to the defendant. As no payment was received a further reminder letter was sent, he has failed to communicate or to acknowledge this reasonable request and as a result of which the fare remains unpaid.”

The 58-year-old must now pay a £60 fine, costs of £300, a victim surcharge fee of £32 and the original fare of £5.50.