A BOURNEMOUTH man has handed a court bill of more than £700 for failing to pay a £43.80 train fare.

Neil Anthony Cook, aged 47, was accused of travelling on a Great Western Railway service at Bristol Temple Meads on June 23, 2021, without having previously paid his fare and with intent to avoid paying it.

Cook, who address was given as Ringwood Road, Bournemouth, was not present at Bristol Magistrates' Court on Monday, January 10, when the offence was proved in his absence.

The bench issued a £440 fine for travelling on a railway without paying a fare.

The defendant was also ordered to pay £43.80 compensation to Great Western Railway, as well as a £44 surcharge and £180 court costs.