A PERSISTENT Metrolink fare dodger, who has been caught 71 times by inspectors, has begun a 45-day jail sentence.

Barry Costello (26), of Grange Grove, Whitefield, who also owes £2,500 in outstanding fines, was sentenced when he appeared before Bury Magistrates on Wednesday.

Metrolink said that Costello has been evading paying fares since 1998 and has been prosecuted 32 times. He had been arrested by Greater Manchester Police's Metrolink unit before his appearance at court.

Following Costello's imprisonment, Serco Metrolink's revenue recovery manager Mike Mabey said: "We take fare evasion very seriously. Fare dodgers cheat everyone and push up fares.

"It's the operator's responsibility to do everything possible to stamp out this practice. We are currently targeting offenders who have outstanding court fines.

"When they are arrested they may well receive the same sentence as Mr Costello."

Metrolink's revenue recovery service currently prosecute up to 800 evaders each month through Bury magistrates court.

Prior to the offender being issued with a summons, they are offered every opportunity to pay their outstanding standard fare.

Bosses say fare evasion on Metrolink is at an all-time low of three per cent. This has been achieved through an increase in revenue inspectors during the past two years, more intelligence and a higher percentage of passengers than ever before having their tickets checked.