One of the UK’s most prolific fare dodgers has been warned he could face prison if he fails to pay a fine imposed as part of a suspended jail sentence. Charles Brohiri, 29, has accumulated more than 100 convictions for evading train fares and owes more than £34,000 in total.
Brohiri, originally from Hatfield in Hertfordshire but homeless for several years, appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday for a means assessment. He was given a three-month suspended prison sentence in February and ordered to pay £3,629.60, among other fines, for unpaid tickets on Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) journeys taken between February 2024 and November 2025.
Judge issues stark warning
District Judge Nina Tempia told Brohiri, who was unrepresented: “If you haven’t paid anything then you can go to prison as I warned you last time. Do you understand that?” Brohiri confirmed he understood and admitted he had not yet paid any of the fines or compensation owed.
When asked why, Brohiri said his referral from probation to help him receive benefits had been “a bit slow”, but insisted he would begin paying £5 a week. Judge Tempia noted the consolidated amount he owes, including compensation, fines, and victim surcharges, totals £34,486.
Payment plan ordered
The judge ordered Brohiri to start paying £5 a week from 31 July and adjourned the means inquiry until 27 August. “£20 should have been paid when you come back on August 27,” Judge Tempia said.
