A BOURNEMOUTH man has been handed a court bill of more than £600 after being convicted of travelling on a train without paying a £181.50 fare.

Meshach John K Stephens, aged 23, was prosecuted in relation to the incident on June 4 in Bramley, Hampshire.

It was alleged Stephens, of Chaldecott Gardens, Bournemouth, had travelled on a Great Western Railways service without having previously paid the fare and with intent to avoid payment of it.

The case was proved against him in his absence at Reading Magistrates' Court on December 17.

The bench issued Stephens with a £220 fine, along with an order to pay £181.50 compensation, £34 surcharge and £180 costs.

A collection order for the finances was made by the courts.