A PASSENGER who failed to pay a £4 train fare has been hit with a £700 court bill.

Michelle Barker, of Styal View, Wilmslow, boarded a train at Heaton Chapel without a valid ticket on Monday, June 17, this year.

The 41-year-old was travelling on a Northern Train, Manchester Magistrates’ Court heard on October 25.

Ticket purchasing facilities are available at Heaton Chapel railway station and the ticket machine was in working order on the day in question.

Barker 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.

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

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

The defendant was not present in court for the hearing.

Barker was fined £440 and ordered to pay £4.40 compensation, £176 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

The defendant was given until December 6 to pay the £705.40 court penalty.