Three County Durham train passengers have been fined over £1000 after dodging a fare that would have amounted to an overall cost of £12. 

Terri Adamson, 41, of 5 Wesley House Fourth Street, Horden, John Bouldton, 37, of Thomas Street, Peterlee, and Lee Brown, 37, of Fourth Street, Horden, were all fined at Cleveland Magistrates' Court on April 21.

The fines relate to a train journey that the trio took on Tuesday, September 20, 2022 between Seaham and Horden station where they did not pay the fare of £3.80 each. 

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In court documents, the passengers were proved to have "During the journey they were asked by the Revenue Officer to produce a valid ticket, this they could not do.

"Further, the defendants could not pay for the journey they were making.

"They were issued with an Unpaid Fares Notice in good faith so that they may pay the outstanding fare within twenty one days.

"However, the defendants failed to make payment within the prescribed time period, subsequently a reminder letter was sent requesting payment, as no payment was received a final reminder letter was then sent to the defendant.

"The fare avoided is £3.80 and compensation of this amount is claimed together with the sum of £150.00 towards the prosecution costs."

On April 21, the Magistrates' Court proved the charges in their absence and they were fined and ordered to pay costs.

Adamson was fined £220, told to pay compensation of £3.8 and costs of £150 - amounting to £373.80.

Bouldton was fined £220, told to pay compensation of £3.80, told to pay a victim surcharge of £88, and costs of £150 - totalling £461.80. 

Brown was fined was fined £220, told to pay compensation of £3.80, told to pay a victim surcharge of £88, and costs of £150 - totalling £461.80.