Prolific Fare Dodger with 112 Convictions Avoids Jail at Westminster Court
One of Britain's most persistent fare dodgers has been spared a prison sentence despite accumulating an astonishing 112 convictions for failing to pay for train tickets within a two-year period. Charles Brohiri, a 29-year-old originally from Hatfield, Hertfordshire, pleaded guilty to 76 charges of rail ticket evasion and was convicted in absentia for an additional 36 offences in August 2024.
Extensive Financial Impact and Court Proceedings
The court heard that Brohiri is believed to owe rail companies more than £30,000 in total. Specifically, he avoided paying fares valued at over £3,000 for journeys with Govia Thameslink Railway between February 2024 and November of last year. The railway operator has stated that Brohiri owes them tens of thousands of pounds, with accumulated avoided fares amounting to £18,386 and prosecution costs adding £15,120.
During his sentencing hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court, District Judge Nina Tempia considered a further 16 offences, including three committed just days prior on Tuesday. She described his offending as brazen and persistent, noting that he seemed to feel invincible and entitled to evade payment. However, the judge acknowledged that a pre-sentence report indicated Brohiri has some insight into his crimes and could benefit from probation support.
Suspended Sentence and Court Orders
Judge Tempia sentenced Brohiri to three months in jail, suspended for one year. He was ordered to:
- Pay back £3,629 in unpaid rail fares
- Complete 150 hours of unpaid work
- Adhere to a 12-month prohibited activity requirement, banning him from travelling on any Govia Thameslink Railway trains
- Undertake a rehabilitation activity requirement
The judge warned him sternly: Be under no illusion if you commit any other offences and you do not comply with the requirement on this order you will be back in court. Notably, Brohiri was not ordered to pay the prosecution costs, which had been a significant part of the financial claims against him.
Persistent Offending and Personal Circumstances
The court was informed that Brohiri continued his fare dodging campaign even after being banned from entering Thameslink stations as part of his bail conditions in April last year. Prosecutor Lyndon Harris stated that, with the exception of October, November, and December 2024, offences occurred every month from February 2024 to the present day, with the last allegation recorded just one day prior to the hearing on February 10 this year.
Defending barrister Eleanor Curzon told the court that Brohiri has expressed remorse and regret, particularly for travelling during court proceedings. She explained that he has faced personal troubles, including homelessness for years, but understands the severity of the charges. Brohiri, who attended university but had to drop out and has worked as a waiter and in bars, has struggled to secure consistent support from charities while homeless in London.
Curzon argued that with probation assistance to secure accommodation and employment, his offending could end. Brohiri is scheduled to appear at the same court on March 29 for a means inquiry to assess his ability to pay further costs, as it is claimed he owes £31,742 in outstanding financial orders.
Broader Implications for Rail Revenue
A spokesperson for Govia Thameslink Railway highlighted the wider impact of fare evasion, estimating it costs the railway £400 million annually, diverting public funding from service improvements. They emphasised that the company takes revenue protection seriously through prosecutions, targeted checks, and other measures, which have reduced ticketless travel to its lowest level since 2022.
