A WOMAN who tried to avoid paying a £14 train fare from Blackburn to Blackpool must now pay over £400 for her journey after she was taken to court.

Debbie Reid is alleged to have travelled from the East Lancashire station out to the coast on October 13.

When Reid, of Rothwell Avenue, Accrington, arrived in Blackpool, she was asked to produce a ticket for her journey, which she did not have.

The 47-year-old’s details were obtained, and she was sent a letter requesting payment of the fare only.

No response was received and so a FPN, which remains unpaid, was sent.

The fare avoided was £14.70 and compensation of that amount was claimed together with the sum of £150.00 towards the prosecution costs.

On top of those amounts, Reid was also fined by the court and ordered to pay a victim surcharge, totalling and amount of £418.70.

She did not appear in court and has until May 18 to pay the amount.