A WOMAN must pay nearly £500 for dodging a rail fare.

Georgia Houlden, 20,of Bradford Road, Menston, faced a charge of failing to produce/deliver a rail ticket on request/give name and address.

Court documents state that on February 21 this year, Houlden "boarded a train without a valid ticket to travel or a promise to pay notice".

They add: "She approached the barrier and stated that she had tried to buy a ticket on the train but her card had declined.

"She then attempted to buy a ticket at the barrier and it declined again. At Menston railway station there are ticket purchasing facilities available, these facilities were fully functioning.

"The defendant had failed to purchase a valid ticket to travel or obtain a promise to pay notice and entered the train and made a journey from Menston to Bradford Forster Square."

A Penalty Fare Notice for £100 plus the single fare - reduced to £50 plus the fare if paid within 21 days - was issued. 

No payment or appeal was received so a reminder letter was sent. A further reminder letter was sent, but the court documents state Houlden "failed to communicate or make payment and as a result of which the fare remains unpaid". 

Houlden was fined £220, ordered to pay costs of £150, a surcharge of £88 and £3.80 compensation. 

In total she must pay £461.80 by December 14.