SERIAL fare dodger Gavin Townend was left nursing a £2,500 ‘hang over’ in fines and costs after being caught four times without a ticket between Ely and Cambridge.

Cambs Times: First Capital Connect.First Capital Connect. (Image: Archant)

Towend, 35, of Globe Lane, Littleport, was among 17 offenders all dealt with by King’s Lynn magistrates’ yesterday.

Cambs Times: A First Capital Connect train heading to King's Lynn along the Fen Line after passing the Ely North junction. Picture: Ian BurtA First Capital Connect train heading to King's Lynn along the Fen Line after passing the Ely North junction. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant © 2012)

Ray Edis, for First Capital Connect, said prosecutions were to protect law-abiding passengers and send a clear message to offenders.

Cambs Times:

After the case he told reporters: “It is a last-chance saloon when they come to court.

“It is the last thing we want to do. We seek to deter people from avoiding their fares because it increases bona fide passengers’ fares.

“In my view, it is theft – and it impacts on the general public.”

Mr Edis said that those caught without a valid ticket are given the opportunity to pay a fixed penalty on the spot. Only those who refuse to pay get brought to court.

“People have every chance to come and talk to me and I am prepared to listen to what they have to say,” he said. “We are not ogres, but we do need to protect the genuine fare-paying passenger.”

A FCC spokesman added: “Fare evasion costs the rail industry £400m a year, which is money that could otherwise be invested in better services for our law-abiding, fare paying passengers.”

Others dealt with included Sharleen Boughen, 31, of Landseer Drove, Downham Market, who was ordered to pay £400.

Amy Camd, 18, of John Davis Way, Watlington, was ordered to pay £453.80.

Ricci Cerny, 19, of Langham Way, Ely, was ordered to pay £344.20.

Efiom Ewe-Obong, 33, of Short Road, Leytonstone, was ordered to pay £450.

David Howard, 31, of Felbrigg Road, Downham Market, was ordered to pay £454.20.

Aaron Jeffrey, 27, of Alice Fisher Close, King’s Lynn, was ordered to pay £459.30.

Ashley Kenson, 24, of Mill Road, Magdalen, was ordered to pay £455.70.

James Langan, 39, of Turbus Road, King’s Lynn, was ordered to pay £459.

Shaun Morgan, 24, of Simon Court, Bounds Green, London was ordered to pay £450.

Laura Murphy, 41, of Primrose Gardens, Christchurch, was ordered to pay £450.

Reece Poge, 19, of Lady Shot, Harlow, was ordered to pay £459.

Tom Pryke, 21, of Parsons Lane, Littleport, was ordered to pay £450.

Peter Rowles, 23, of Rushmeadow Crescent, Downham Market, was ordered to pay £454.20.

Kwame Yeboah, 29, of Tudway Road, London, was ordered to pay £459.