A BOURNEMOUTH man has been handed a court bill of almost £850 for travelling on a train without paying the £184.60 fare.

Michal Chruszcz, aged 25,was alleged to have used the Great Western Railway services at Reading on August 20 last year without having previously paid his fare and with intent to avoid payment of it.

The defendant, whose address was given as North Avenue, Bournemouth, was not present for a hearing at Reading Magistrates' Court on Friday, February 18.

The case was proved in his absence and the bench issued a £440 fine.

Chruszcz was also ordered to pay £184.60 compensation, a £44 surcharge and £180 costs, making a total court bill of £848.60.

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