FARE-dodgers appear in the region's lower courts every week and usually attract a hefty fine.

These are some of those from Colchester who failed at chancing their luck and have since appeared in magistrates' courts.

A HUGE fine has been handed out to a 29-year-old who was found to be taking a train to Colchester without a ticket.

Jack Thacker, of Kensington Road, Colchester, was travelling on a train from Norwich to Colchester in April on a Greater Anglia train.

A single rail fare normally costs in the region of £20, but after failing to provide a ticket when requested, Thacker was ordered to attend Cambridgeshire Magistrates' Court.

Though he didn’t show up on Tuesday, October 18, the case was proved in his abence and he has been ordered to pay £426.60.

A MAN who rode a Greater Anglia train without a ticket has been ordered to pay hundreds of pounds by the courts.

Richard Newman, of Brooklands, Colchester, was travelling between Witham and Cressing in February earlier this year when he failed to provide a ticket.

The 25-year-old did not attend Suffolk Magistrates' Court last month and the case was proved in his absence.

Newman was ordered to pay £568, which included £44 to fund victim services.

A MAN has been fined after attempting to travel by train without a valid ticket.

Anthony Wordley was caught out between Shenfield and Clacton on January 10 of this year.

The 33-year-old failed to show up to his hearing at Suffolk Magistrates’ Court and the offence was proved in his absence.

Wordley, of Marsh Crescent, Rowhedge, was fined £220 and ordered to pay £204.50 in costs, a surcharge and compensation.

A FARE dodger has been fined hundreds of pounds after he attempted to ride a Greater Anglia train for free.

Lee Barber, of Hawthorn Avenue, Colchester, was asked to present his ticket when he was on a train between Marks Tey and Braintree stations on Thursday, February 3.

The 27-year-old had been due to appear at Suffolk Magistrates Court on Wednesday, October 19, and although he did not attend, the offence was proved' in his absence.

The fine for Barber came to a total of £642.30.