A PASSENGER who failed to pay a £6 train fare has been hit with a £770 court bill.

Christopher Hough, of Station Road, Handforth, Wilmslow, failed to produce a valid ticket when asked by an inspector on February 20, this year.

The 35-year-old was travelling from Handforth to Manchester Piccadilly and said he ‘did not have any means to buy a ticket due to his card declining’.

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During the journey his details were obtained and he was advised that the facts would be reported.

The case brought by Northern Trains was heard at Warrington Magistrates Court on September 27.

Following the incident, a letter was sent to the defendant requesting an explanation, the court heard.

A fixed penalty notice was sent after no response was received and the £6.70 fare remains unpaid.

After listening to the evidence magistrates found the case proved.

Hough was fined £440 and ordered to pay £150 costs, £176 victim surcharge and £6.70 compensation.

The defendant was given until October 25 to pay the £772.70 court penalty.