Hundreds of train fare evasion cases quashed after unlawful prosecutions Hundreds of people have had their train fare evasions quashed after they were prosecuted unlawfully.
In a three-minute hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court on Wednesday, Mr Goldspring quashed 350 Northern cases, 180 TransPennine Express cases, and 36 Great Western Railway cases.
Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring's ruling in August paved the way for thousands of train fare evasion prosecutions to be quashed.
They were extended to private rail fare evasion prosecutions in 2016 - but many train companies have used them citing the Regulation of Railways Act 1889, which they are not permitted to do.
The SJP was introduced in 2015 to allow magistrates to rule on minor offences - such as watching TV without a licence or driving without insurance - without the defendant being present in court.
