A man has been jailed after defrauding rail operators out of more than £1,000 through a compensation scheme.

Thomas Ingram, 38, pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation, after making claims under the Delay Repay scheme from Transport for Wales (TfW) and Northern.

Preston Crown Court heard how on March 23, 2023, a fraud investigator at TfW contacted British Transport Police to report a number of false claims made by Ingram, of Cheltenham Road, Blackpool.

He had submitted 28 claims between November 2020 and January 2023 totalling £5.372, and TfW had paid out £1,294, with the other claims rejected due to suspicions over their legitimacy.

After initial enquiries by British Transport Police, a fraud investigator at Northern also contacted officers with evidence of fraudulent claims it had received from Ingram, totalling almost £100, claiming discounts with a young person’s railcard which he was not eligible for.

Ingram was arrested and charged with fraud, and after admitting his offending was jailed for 16 months at a hearing on July 8, and ordered to pay a £156 victim surcharge.

Investigating officer, DC Callum Lancaster, said: “Ingram was audacious and brazen in his numerous attempts to defraud railway companies.

“Despite a common misconception, ticket fraud is by no means a victimless crime.

“The costs incurred by the companies are reflected in price increases and a delay in compensating genuine claimants.

 “Ingram now has time to reflect on whether his dishonesty was worth it as he serves his jail sentence.”