A MAN was fined hundreds of pounds in court after attempting to dodge a rail fare worth just £3.

Christopher Anthony Richards, of Duke Street, Blackburn, boarded a Transpennine Express service at Manchester Piccadilly on July 23, 2021, without a valid ticket, despite ticket purchasing facilities being available at the station.

On January 7, 2022, Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court heard how the 48-year-old then commenced on a short journey to Stockport, where he was challenged on arrival.

He was served with a penalty fare notice for either £20, or double the price of the fare, whichever was greater, which had to be paid within 21 days or appealed.

Richards failed to either pay or appeal and so a reminder letter was sent, which was again ignored. The £3 fare remains unpaid.

Richards was fined a total of £407 and has until February 4 to pay in full.

He was not present for proceedings.