A HEREFORDSHIRE rail passenger has been fined hundreds of pounds after failing to buy an £8.30 ticket.

Andrejz Lozovskis was proven guilty by magistrates in Preston.

The court heard the 32-year-old had failed to produce a rail ticket proving his fare had been paid for between Blackrod and Preston on May 11, despite functioning ticket machines being available when he boarded the train at Blackrod Station.

Lozovskis was handed a penalty fare notice, to be paid within 21 days, but failed to do so, and did not respond to two reminder letters.

Lozovskis, of Ledbury Road, Hereford, was fined £220 and ordered to pay compensation of £8.30. He must also pay costs of £150 and a £34 victim surcharge.