A Bolton man has been penalised for dodging a ticket fare when he travelled from the south west of the country.

Dudley Magistrates’ Court ruled Abdilahi Duale failed to pay £101.60 in May this year.

The 33-year-old travelled from Bristol Temple Meads station to Manchester Piccadilly through Wolverhampton on the Cross Country railway service.

Duale, from Shrewsbury Road in Bolton, did not attend at court.

The case against him was proved in his absence.

Following the outcome Duale was hit with a fine of £440.

He was also instructed to pay the cost of the ticket fare in compensation.

Duale was given until next month to pay the total amount.