A MAN has been ordered to pay more than £1,000 after he did not buy a train ticket costing £2.90 and abused railway staff.

Mark Gray, aged 39 and of Bromwich Street in Haulgh, has been ordered to pay the money by Bolton Magistrates' Court.

On May 17 this year, he had travelled from Westhoughton to Bolton and when he arrived at his destination staff requested his ticket.

He told them that his wife had bought him one but had not come to give it to him.

Staff obtained his details but when these were checked they proved to be false.

When staff asked for Gray's correct details he used abusive and offensive language towards them before walking off.

Two letters were sent to Gray requesting an explanation but there was no response.

He was found guilty in his absence at court of travelling on a railway with having paid the fare, providing a false name or address and using abusive, obscene or offensive language.

He was fined £440 for failing to buy a ticket, £440 for providing a false name or address and £220 for using offensive language.

He was also ordered to pay £2.90 for the price of the train ticket, a £44 victim surcharge and costs of £150.

This brought the total amount owed to £1,296.90.

The court made a collection order and Gray must pay the amount in full by November 13.