A UK man avoided jail for 112 unpaid train fares totaling £3,629 but must repay debt, do community work, and face a travel ban.

A 29-year-old man from Hatfield, Charles Brohiri, was spared jail after being convicted of 112 counts of unpaid train fares on Govia Thameslink Railway between February 2024 and February 2026, with unpaid fares totaling £3,629.60. He pleaded guilty to 76 charges and was convicted in absentia on 36 others, with 16 additional offences noted, including three just one day before sentencing. The judge described his actions as brazen and persistent, yet acknowledged his insight and potential for rehabilitation. Brohiri received a suspended three-month prison sentence, was ordered to repay the fare debt, complete 150 hours of unpaid work, serve a 12-month travel ban on GTR services, and attend rehabilitation activities. Prosecution costs of £15,120 were waived. A means inquiry is scheduled for March 29 to assess his ability to pay £31,742 in outstanding financial obligations.