FARE dodgers who travelled on trains without a ticket have been hit with huge fines.

Courts dealt out pricey penalties to rail users who made journeys without first purchasing a ticket.

Their cases were dealt with by courts in behind-close-doors hearings after prosecutions were brought by Northern Rail. 

Christopher Jones failed to produce a ticket worth £7.80 when travelling between Barrow and Cark on June 30.

Court papers said the 36-year-old boarded the train without a ticket or promise to pay notice and was issued with a penalty fare.

Three appeals were made and all were declined.

The 36-year-old, of Ramsden Rock Road in Barrow, was ordered to pay a fine of £220, compensation of £7.80, a £34 victim surcharge and costs of £150 by Preston Magistrates' Court, bringing the total bill for the unpaid fare to £411.80.

Michael McDonald was prosecuted after he failed to buy a ticket to travel between Manchester and Barrow.

Court papers said during the journey on June 19 the 30-year-old was asked by the conductor to produce a valid ticket but could not do so.

When he attempted to buy a ticket his card was declined.

He was issued with an Unpaid Fares Notice in good faith but failed to pay it.

McDonald, of Island Road in Barrow, was fined £220 and told to pay £36.40 compensation for the ticket, a victim surcharge of £88 and £150 in costs by Lancaster Magistrates' Court.

Tegan Wilkinson was said to have been travelling between Whitehaven and Barrow on June 11 without a ticket worth £13.40.

The 31-year-old could not pay for ticket but was issued with a notice and allowed to complete her journey.

She failed to respond to letters sent and pay the penalty, according to court papers.

Christopher Nagar failed to buy a ticket travelling between Lancaster and Roose on September 5.

The 46-year-old, of Barrow's Gloucester Street, was ordered by Preston Magistrates' Court to pay a £220 fine, the £11.40 fare in compensation as well as an £88 victim surcharge and £150 in costs. 

A Northern spokesman said: “A court appearance is very much the last resort and not something who choose to do lightly, but prospective fare dodgers should be aware that trying to avoid even a small value ticket could result in a hefty fine and even a criminal record.”