A PASSENGER who failed to pay a £6.50 train fare has been hit with a £460 court bill.

Ammar Abdelrahman Hassan, of Primrose Way, Wilmslow, boarded a train at Manchester Airport without a valid ticket on Tuesday, June 11, this year.

The 47-year-old was travelling on a Northern train without paying for his fare, Manchester Magistrates’ Court heard on October 18.

Ticket purchasing facilities are available at Manchester Airport and the facilities were in full working order on the day in question.

Hassan travelled to Manchester Piccadilly but was unable to produce a valid ticket or promise to pay notice.

The defendant was issued with a penalty fare notice for £100 plus the single fare.

This would be reduced to £50 plus the single fare if paid within 21 days.

Payment or an appeal must be made within 21 days and full instructions of where to sent payment or appeal are clearly printed on the notice.

As no payment or appeal was received, two reminder letters were sent.

Hassan failed to communicate or make payment and as a result the fare remains unpaid.

Magistrates found the case proved in his absence after listening to the evidence.

The defendant was not present in court for the hearing.

Hassan was fined £220 and ordered to pay £6.50 compensation, £88 victim surcharge and £150 costs.

The defendant was given until November 29 to pay the £464.10 court penalty.